Welcome Oscar McDonald

[flyboy77]

Of the guys we had challenging for a spot, MacDonald has performed when it mattered - in senior company. Moore hasn't yet. Crocker does sometimes. We haven't seen enough of Maher. But MacDonald is ready to go and fills a need. Our match committee saw it that way, I agree.
I was not a fan of Newnes, and am I still worried about his long term viability, but he stepped up last year and did what we needed him to do. He was a consistent performer: he had very few really down games and often got his share of the ball. And that last microsecond goal will live in memory.
If MacDonald can do the same, then we have made the right decision. I also have questions about his long term viability, but we need a key defender cum hole filler now.
No arguments from me.
Actually, before he was injured, Macreadie looked to be the best of his draft cohort. He didn't panic under pressure. He took some strong marks. His decision making looked good.
Unfortunately, since his back injury he has been a different player. He appears to have lost confidence in his body and he is moving a lot less quickly. That really hurt him, as he just didn't make enough contests. He is cooked, alas.
He also appeared to have lost the joy of playing footy. Maybe he can get it back in the lower grades, but we couldn't afford to keep him on.
Kruddler is right in a way: in the last 2 years he has done less and looked less impressive than MacDonald has done in 2 practice matches.
Back in the 1970's and 1980's we would have kept Ben Silvagni on for a couple more years at least, in the hope he clicks mentally. Physically, he has the weapons that Jack lacks. With lists as they are, that cannot happen these days.
I have yet to be convinced that we flicked Ben just to get back at SOS. That sounds too petty even for our administrators. maybe I am wrong, but I doubt it.
Park has shown more in the 2's than Ben did in a season. That has already justified both Park's selection and Ben's delisting.
However, I don't see Park as covering the fastest or the largest: he has his physical limitations. I expect to see us draft more key defender types in the next few drafts, and I expect us to look at other key defenders at other clubs. It makes sense in the recruiting market at present. As Kruddler mentioned, you breed your own when and where you can. For the gaps, you beg, borrow or steal. As we are looked at more favourably, especially if we win consistently, other players will look at us and want to come.

Parks is not a KPD, but rather a 3rd tall or floater.

BSOS was (potentially) a true KPD. They're not like for like.

And what, 6cm odd taller?