03-18-2016, 10:16 AM
(03-18-2016, 09:56 AM)LP link Wrote:Krudds, in his second season(2011) he played Bullants midfield and average nearly 40 possessions. He was named amongst the best in 13 out of 17 games, and played four other rounds in the AFL. Fitness was not an issue, our clubs perception of him was the big problem. I remember late in 2011 Ratten talking about him when asked by media at a post match press conference, I don't recall the exact words but Ratten inferred they should have trusted McLean's football ability and played him at AFL level sooner.
In his 4 appearances he couldn't get more than 17 touches.
Shows you the difference between VFL and AFL level. He couldn't do what he was doing in the VFL at AFL level because he wasn't 'AFL fit'.
An unfit AFL footballer is still a fit VFL player.
In any event, the point i was making is that, at the time, McLean didn't have too many people in his corner. I think he was on everyones hit list on who should get the flick at years end.
In hindsight, we can see that he had plenty more to give.
When we got him, he was stuffed. Took 2 years to shake that tag before it pays off.
Will history repeat itself with daisy? Time will tell.