You know I'm not so sure. It's not like he's a 15 year old who's never played against bigger stronger players. What's the difference between Turner and Billy Hartung? Not a lot in terms of weight or age. To me the biggest difference is that we'd be asking Turner to play an important role, whereas Hartung just has to come in, run, be an option, and then run some more. If we want Turner to come in, harass, tackle, and kick goals, it's a different ask.
But really, why not? He's not made of porcelain. Young players come in all the time in every sport. The best ones make a difference right away.
Also, for one game, why not? We played a great game against Hawthorn last year at the MCG with a healthy list and still lost. We know what we're gonna get when we're at our best...and based on last year's results...it still wasn't good enough to win. We also know what we're getting now...and it isn't enough to beat Brisbane on the road.
So if you have a culture problem where guys aren't playing for each other, or with enough desperation or intensity....why exactly wouldn't you shake things up by brining in a young and aggressive player? He's too young to know that he probably shouldn't be playing. But I don't think he'll be scared. He took right up to Schoenmakers when Werribee played Box Hill earlier this year. And by that I mean Turner got in his face and did not take a backward step.