Squad for JLT game named

[LP]

The risk with McKay is that he is not even 20 yet, and we know that good rucks are usually not much chop until they are 24 or 25. Prior to that they are generally someone's rag-doll.

Why would we risk further injury like a PCL on a kid who is recovering from back stress fractures? Especially when we have a list full of 199cm+ types who in terms of being KPPs are not classed in the same league as McKay.

But go right ahead, let someone who monsters capable players like a Mumford, Grundy or Hickey get some pre-season practice on the kid. Perhaps Paddy Ryder can get some valuable game time up against him, or even the comeback kid Maric and his direct opponent Nankervis!

These "seasoned rucks" do not treat the pre-season contest on a game by game basis, they are trying to end their opponent for the future of the season. Good ruck work is ruck work done early!

[DJC]

In 2005 I sat with a colleague at Box Hill oval to watch her 18 year old nephew play in the ruck against the O'hAilpin brothers.  He was giving up 7-8cm and 5-10kg but was a key factor in Box Hill's win and was promoted to the Hawthorn side for the next game.

I suspect that Hawthorn didn't want to jeopardise the playing career of their potential 200+ game key forward.  I also suspect that they knew exactly what they were doing when they played a first year player in the ruck against two older, taller, heavier, stronger and unpredictable opponents.

I'm not advocating playing McKay as a permanent ruckman.  However, if he is ready to play as a key forward against the likes of Steven May, he is ready to have a run in the ruck.

[LP]

In 2005 I sat with a colleague at Box Hill oval to watch her 18 year old nephew play in the ruck against the O'hAilpin brothers.  He was giving up 7-8cm and 5-10kg but was a key factor in Box Hill's win and was promoted to the Hawthorn side for the next game.

I suspect that Hawthorn didn't want to jeopardise the playing career of their potential 200+ game key forward.  I also suspect that they knew exactly what they were doing when they played a first year player in the ruck against two older, taller, heavier, stronger and unpredictable opponents.

I'm not advocating playing McKay as a permanent ruckman.  However, if he is ready to play as a key forward against the likes of Steven May, he is ready to have a run in the ruck.

Playing against someone like the O'Hailpin's in their first year of AFL is not the same as playing against Mumford or May at any time.

Roughie is no ordinary player, he wasn't coming off a season of lower back stress fractures and he did not ruck in his first AFL games but played as a tall forward/defender.

[PaulP]

Looks like good news :

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/ca...umwmh.html

[Gointocarlton]

Looks like good news :

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/ca...umwmh.html

That's a relief for the poor bugger.

[PaulP]

That's a relief for the poor bugger.

And for me as well. Don't like injuries at this time of year - actually not at any time. But you're on the back foot if too many players are done before R1.

[Gointocarlton]

And for me as well. Don't like injuries at this time of year - actually not at any time. But you're on the back foot if too many players are done before R1.

Truedat

[cookie2]

Looks like good news :

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/ca...umwmh.html

Indeed! Hope he goes on to have a great season.

[PaulP]

Mods/admins - I don't really know where to put this. Please feel free to move it, if required.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/ed-and-char...ukljz.html

[Baggers]

Of the blokes we recruited last year I hope we get a look at Polson, Kerr, Williamson, Macreadie and Alex Silvagni this week and next against Freo. Also like to see Pickett and Fisher given another go.