#44 Ned Long

[lazzadesilva]

^^^^

I’m going to predict that we’ll have another “2024 debutant” in the team within a fortnight Piesnchess. Finally and earlier than expected, McStay will play for the first time this year after making a solid recovery. Hooray

[piedys]

"Hey I know - let's ease him into the tempo of the game when we are 4 goals down....
Nevermind his tackle count in the VFL, we won't need it from the start of the game...."

[dalyc]

"Hey I know - let's ease him into the tempo of the game when we are 4 goals down....
Nevermind his tackle count in the VFL, we won't need it from the start of the game...."

Played well when he came on. HH should have started as sub. Selection table fail.

[Haff]

Did ok. Weird kicking style. Clear holding the ball resulted in a goal which he will learn from.

[Pies2016]

I was particularly keen to cast an eye on the Ned Long debut because the type of player he is, could go a long way to solving our inevitable decline of an ageing midfield. Unfortunately, being sub, the sample size was small but given his role, he couldn’t have done anymore in the 39 mins he spent on the ground.
This is the only silver lining to injuries because it allows players to be fast tracked. Injury aside, he will now likely get an extended opportunity at AFL level and it will allow both him and the coaching panel to better prepare for him for next year. I know from my Hawthorn contacts, he has a “ lights on, lights off “ attitude to training ( first in to work and last to leave ) so the work ethic is there. Assuming he’s at the club next season, IF he can have a career best pre season, he looms as one of those types of players who could actually influence our fortunes next year.