McCarthy set on round one

[TradeDraft]

After undergoing an injury-riddled year, Magpie midfielder John McCarthy is eyeing a strong start to the 2010 season.

Forced to overcome a knee injury and several hamstring issues, the 20-year-old managed just six games in 2009 including two late season senior appearances.

McCarthy’s 2010 campaign is off to a promising start and expectations for his year are quickly rising after several strong showings in time trials and on the track.

“The knee is alright,” McCarthy told CTV at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday.

“The hammies were the major concern. I did two of those so that was annoying. Everything is feeling good at the moment and I am looking forward to a big 2010.”

McCarthy’s persistence through his rehabilitation program proved fruitful earning a senior appearance in round 22 and the following week in the qualifying loss to St Kilda.

The midfielder has now notched eight AFL games including three finals appearances since he was selected by the club with overall pick 31 in the 2007 national draft.

Hope he does play because he could be a Good Big Body in the Midfield with Great Skills.

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/88713/default.aspx

 

[Mars II]

i like this kid hope he goes well

 

[dswan]

If he plays instead of Wellingham/Johnson im happy

 

[rand corp]

If he plays the run with role instead of Toovey/Jonno/Cooke I'll be very happy

 

[absy]

If he plays at all i'll be happy No more injurys!

 

[DThomas]

2010 will be a massive year for J-Mac. I'm a big fan of his.

I hope he's injury-free and gets more game time, because he will be a great addition to the team.

 

[Porkaspies09]

i really like him aswell, but someone plz tell me,where he will play is there room for him??

 

[PieBeast]

i really like him aswell, but someone plz tell me,where he will play is there room for him??

Half forward flank and in a years time midfileld.
The boy oozes talent , we'll find room for him

 

[Bay Pie]

Half forward flank and in a years time midfileld.
The boy oozes talent , we'll find room for him

He seems to have slipped off everyones radar after the great 1st years of Sidey & Beams.

I am most excited about J-Mac as any player, yet to fully prove himself.

He has alot of very good qualities.

 

[danielnajdek]

Good to hear that J Mac has had a solid but more importantly injury free pre-season so far (fingers crossed). Just needs a good run and he could be a important player for us.

 

[PieBeast]

He seems to have slipped off everyones radar after the great 1st years of Sidey & Beams.

I am most excited about J-Mac as any player, yet to fully prove himself.

He has alot of very good qualities.

Yep completely agree ...fast , ferocious , reasonable overhead , good skills, nice size and tough as nails.
Really bloody hope his hammies will hold up.

 

[Gone Critical]

I think people have forgotten how good he could be. 2009 was a write off for him. I think if injury free through the pre season his ability will have him in the 22. He looks more naturally talented than a lot of the others vying with him.

My concern is the hammies, just hope this doesnt become a chronic thing as that could derail his career

On a side note I was talking to his mum recently and she says he loves it down there and MM has been fantastic. Reckons MM takes a real interest in what all the young players do on and off the ground. For a minute I thought she wanted to canonise MM .

What made her view more interesting was that she had another son Matthew play 4-5 seasons at geelong and she thought Coll looked after their youth much better and said you couldn't compare MM and Thompson as mentors. Malthouse a mile better, especially with communication and letting them know where they stand. Still he hasnt dropped her son from the list yet so that may change a mothers view. Matthew did get a fair trial at Geelong overall

 

[mattys123]

I haven't forgotten how good he is, in fact I was one of the few that saw how good he was this year in the VFL on his season debut, when he had over 20 disposals in the first half out at Scum park before doing his hammy.

He has as much talent as anyone on our list, just hope he can stay fit, because I doubt he will make it into the side as easy as he did late this year.

 

[captain peanut]

he seemed set on a big night at the portsea pub last saturday

looks like he fancies his odds with the fairer sex from what i observed

and why woudn't he? good luck to him

(apologies if it wasn't him but unless he has a twin brother pretty sure it was)

 

[Gone Critical]

he seemed set on a big night at the portsea pub last saturday

looks like he fancies his odds with the fairer sex from what i observed

and why woudn't he? good luck to him

(apologies if it wasn't him but unless he has a twin brother pretty sure it was)

He is from Portsea so a fair chance

 

[Gone Critical]

I haven't forgotten how good he is, in fact I was one of the few that saw how good he was this year in the VFL on his season debut, when he had over 20 disposals in the first half out at Scum park before doing his hammy.

He has as much talent as anyone on our list, just hope he can stay fit, because I doubt he will make it into the side as easy as he did late this year.

I saw him that day was just playing at a different level than the rest. Felt v convinced that day he was clearly AFL grade material

 

[captain peanut]

I saw him that day was just playing at a different level than the rest. Felt v convinced that day he was clearly AFL grade material

He is all class. Fully fit he is a massive wildcard in 2010

 

[King Woodie]

Might be our best rising star chance this year...

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

I don't think he's eligible - According to this page, he's been playing since 1993, which would almost certainly make him over the cut-off age.

Seriously though, every time I watch McCarthy play I have to actively come up with reasons not to get over-excited about him. He ticks all the boxes, that's for sure.

 

[HFF]

Is this the best summer yet or what?

Everything apart from Dicky's shoulder and Trav's minor knee injury, is going to plan this pre-season.

All players are up and running and more importantly, the injury-plagued guys such as J-Mac and Rus are in full flight.

Big things are expected in 2010.