2016 Pre-Season (All news, press conferences, training reports, Photos)

[xplo]

I think Jayden McGrath could be the real surprise packet. Like Skinner, NRobbo and Rocky, was another highly-touted kid at bottom age, but missed most of their draft year with injury. He's been back training since August and looks like a kid who really wants it.

A full preseason could have him really jumping out of the blocks. Seriously, Josh Green would want to get his head down and setting some PBS at training, because Leppa really likes McGrath and Jayden works much harder.

 

[Len S]

I think Jayden McGrath could be the real surprise packet. Like Skinner, NRobbo and Rocky, was another highly-touted kid at bottom age, but missed most of their draft year with injury. He's been back training since August and looks like a kid who really wants it.

A full preseason could have him really jumping out of the blocks. Seriously, Josh Green would want to get his head down and setting some PBS at training, because Leppa really likes McGrath and Jayden works much harder.

Very astute post.

 

[Leemas]

I think Jayden McGrath could be the real surprise packet. Like Skinner, NRobbo and Rocky, was another highly-touted kid at bottom age, but missed most of their draft year with injury. He's been back training since August and looks like a kid who really wants it.

A full preseason could have him really jumping out of the blocks. Seriously, Josh Green would want to get his head down and setting some PBS at training, because Leppa really likes McGrath and Jayden works much harder.

No way McGrath gets a look in ahead of green. When did McGrath actually play as a small forward last year? As far as I remember he played as a small defender. Greens a gun McGrath has barely shown anything. I'll eat my hat if McGrath plays ahead of green next year.

 

[xplo]

We'll see. Josh is a talent but talent only gets you so far.

Just in case, I hear straw hats digest easier than baseball caps.

 

[James North]

He may have played down back out of necessity, I think.

 

[Len S]

No way McGrath gets a look in ahead of green. When did McGrath actually play as a small forward last year? As far as I remember he played as a small defender. Greens a gun McGrath has barely shown anything. I'll eat my hat if McGrath plays ahead of green next year.

Was playing forward and on ball TAC when drafted. His coaches saw him as a match winner who could turn a game. His professional attitude and discipline will see him breathing down the neck of any who don't commit with the same intensity. As stated, was thrown down back in desperate times last year. Insiders know and appreciate what he will bring.

 

[Quigley]

Flickr slideshows don't seem to work on BigFooty no more.

Ne'er mind, piccies from Friday here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/roger-the-sheep/albums/72157661988650516

Thanks Mr R. Who is the number 51 in the middle of that group shot? Bellenden? Very big lad.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Thanks Mr R. Who is the number 51 in the middle of that group shot? Bellenden? Very big lad.

Dennis

 

[iBeng]

Dennis

Nate Dennis? Might be another chance as a ruck next season.

 

[Quigley]

Dennis was as raw as you will find this year. I wouldn't mind seeing him get another look next year. He certainly has the size and an offseason in an elite program could see him come on in leaps and bounds.

 

[charles202]

Back pocket for me is the biggest hole in our list...I could easily see McGrath starting the season there. I literally see fights for spots in 10 list places this year, preseason this year will be HUGE... Anyone who doesn't bring their A game will be in for a nasty surprise

 

[Leemas]

I hope McGrath proves me wrong but I just don't see the hype. I'm obviously missing something as the majority rate him very very highly. Good that we seem to have some competition with spots

 

[Big Sauce 21]

he's okay but would need injuries to push himself in the forward line

 

[DashinD]

I hope McGrath proves me wrong but I just don't see the hype. I'm obviously missing something as the majority rate him very very highly. Good that we seem to have some competition with spots

I think it's his renowned high work rate and professional attitude.
Plus he shown he's courageous on field. Can't ask for much more from a second year player.

 

[James North]

Was close to best on ground in a couple of the games he played. By far the hardest at the contest in a team that was cruising.

 

[iBeng]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-04-15/it-was-my-time-to-go

 

[carnthemlions]

I hope McGrath proves me wrong but I just don't see the hype. I'm obviously missing something as the majority rate him very very highly. Good that we seem to have some competition with spots

I think people got a bit carried away with what they saw early on. He did stand out a bit, but I suspect that was partly due to the fact that there wasn't a lot to be optimistic about at all. Showed clean hands and good courage, but I wouldn't have him in the team over any of Cutler/Dawson/Paparone/Harwood/Beams at this stage.

 

[jackess]

I hope McGrath proves me wrong but I just don't see the hype. I'm obviously missing something as the majority rate him very very highly. Good that we seem to have some competition with spots

Gives us a bit of spark and X factor as well as doing the team stuff. I think he probably has more upside than Green but there's no need to rush him.

 

[Bert Man]

Was close to best on ground in a couple of the games he played. By far the hardest at the contest in a team that was cruising.

He showed some spark and courage but was far from best on ground in any of his games. Was too patchy to be considered in the best. Although, his first quarter VS North was fantastic, upto quarter time he was probably in the best.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I hope McGrath proves me wrong but I just don't see the hype. I'm obviously missing something as the majority rate him very very highly. Good that we seem to have some competition with spots

You are most certainly missing a fruit or two required to make a good quality fruitcake.

 

[James North]

I think people got a bit carried away with what they saw early on. He did stand out a bit, but I suspect that was partly due to the fact that there wasn't a lot to be optimistic about at all. Showed clean hands and good courage, but I wouldn't have him in the team over any of Cutler/Dawson/Paparone/Harwood/Beams at this stage.

I think it's probably a reflection of how the rest of the team was traveling rather than how great McGrath was.

 

[Skoob]

McGrath played down back, as James mentioned, out of necessity. He played forward in the pre-season matches IIRC, his natural position.

He showed some spark and courage but was far from best on ground in any of his games. Was too patchy to be considered in the best. Although, his first quarter VS North was fantastic, upto quarter time he was probably in the best.

Not surprising for a kid who played 3 games out of position. He was by far the most exciting and promising of our 2014 draftees.
Can't wait to see him back.
I agree with Xplo, that Green will have to work really hard to stay ahead of Sparra.

 

[Bert Man]

McGrath played down back, as James mentioned, out of necessity. He played forward in the pre-season matches IIRC, his natural position.


Not surprising for a kid who played 3 games out of position. He was by far the most exciting and promising of our 2014 draftees.
Can't wait to see him back.
I agree with Xplo, that Green will have to work really hard to stay ahead of Sparra.

100% agree with you, did really well considering all that. Just thought saying he was one of our best is a stretch.

 

[Skoob]

100% agree with you, did really well considering all that. Just thought saying he was one of our best is a stretch.

Close to best in a couple of games. I presume James included pre-season in his assessment.
It's a long time ago, but I remember being very excited by this kid.

 

[T Rick]

Back pocket for me is the biggest hole in our list...I could easily see McGrath starting the season there. I literally see fights for spots in 10 list places this year, preseason this year will be HUGE... Anyone who doesn't bring their A game will be in for a nasty surprise

How good would that be!