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List Mgmt. Welcome Tom McCarthy (Pick 1, 2025 MSD)

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Really keen to see what he can bring. Seems like the prototype rebounding defender for McQualter’s gameplan. Give him the ball and let the kid cook!
 
Like how often he's hitting targets at full speed... line-breaking pace and precision don't always go hand in hand, so could be a weapon off HB if he develops into AFL quality. We always looked more dangerous during the seasons Jetta was across HB (and in good form) with a license to take on the zone - though Jetta probably has him pipped for speed and kicking precision over longer distance. Still, the modern game requires these types of players to generate attack from HB against organised defenses. Good get for a MSD pick, good luck to him!
 
Like how often he's hitting targets at full speed... line-breaking pace and precision don't always go hand in hand, so could be a weapon off HB if he develops into AFL quality. We always looked more dangerous during the seasons Jetta was across HB (and in good form) with a license to take on the zone - though Jetta probably has him pipped for speed and kicking precision over longer distance. Still, the modern game requires these types of players to generate attack from HB against organised defenses. Good get for a MSD pick, good luck to him!

I think by the time Jetta was in the backline McCarthy would probably be at least as quick. I don't think McCarthy has the same great step and that seamless agility.

Also comparing anyone's kicking to Jetta's is rough. He's the best field kick I've seen in the modern era. (I'll define the modern era as being post Darren Jarman)

What McCarthy needs to do and this will take a while to develop despite being a mature age recruit will need to do is adapt to the hugely faster pace. His attack on the ball, the man and his speed is great. But it will take time and games to get that footy IQ up to the speed AFL is played at.

It's also why I think we need to not expect too much from him this year. But games in the second half of this year followed by a full preseason and I would hope he's a starting HB for us.
 

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We need to pull out the "Against the team that didn't want him!" Every single time McCarthy does something good against a Victorian side.

Since letting mature age players go undrafted in your home state is some sort of list management failure according to Vic journos.

Anyway... What a debut! Fits like a glove with the style of play Mini is trying to install.
 
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Magnificent effort first up by Tom today. He absolutely embarrassed the senior players and our development team for how many disposals he hit in slippery conditions, while our so-called professional AFL players that have been on the list for multiple years couldn’t hit a five meter handball to save themselves.
 
In what was a very bad day no matter which way it is cut he is a gem. Absolutely what we needed. We now need mids, mids and more mids.

Truly outstanding first game, looked a 150 game veteran and an absolute vital cog to our defence now. Literally 3-4 more games like this and i'd be putting a 4 year extension in front of him, he was that good.
 
His kicking was incredible but the best part was he defended very well and rebounded and stood up under pressure and hit handballs whilst being tackled. Cole won't get back into the team
 

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List Mgmt. Welcome Tom McCarthy (Pick 1, 2025 MSD)

🥰 Love BigFooty? Join now for free.

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