#1 Andy McGrath loves finals football (Part 1)

Thats going to be true of all players. Match sims at the Hangar are slower, almost like the VFL, AFL is a big step up and players need a couple of games to adjust.

McGrath is pretty good down back BUT on the evidence this preseason and on some games last year he has the tools to become an elite mid. Essendon have been crying out for quality in this area for years. Time to leave him there so he can develop his craft. Of course, the break glass in emergency situations can be activated when required BUT Essendon have ample coverage in this area of the ground. Just let the kid become the midfielder Essendon desperately need.

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Not to put a fine point on it, we have been crying out for a Jobe replacement for years. So far we have Myers, Langford and Stringer, none of whom is anywhere near peak Jobe at this point.

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People did mock me when I suggested it…

That said… let’s not underestimate Merret.

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I doubt he’ll be better than merrett but if he does, he’ll probably win a brownlow. But I saw enough to suggest he’s gonna be a very, very good midfielder. Time will tell how good

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I definitely don’t underestimate Merrett he is one of the comps next superstars. I’d never thought McGrath would be able to reach that level until last night. But now I think it’s possible.

yep - there is something extra special about him.

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has nowhere near the kicking capability to be better than merrett.

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In relation to distance or accuracy or both?

McGraths kicking is fine.

It’s confidence in taking the kick that generally holds young players back.

He will spray a few but it’s important that he keeps taking them.

I thought he showed some very good kicking depth and accuracy in his first season but for some reason last year he went into his shell a bit.

This year it’s obvious that he is determined to take on more responsibility and be the man to drive the ball forward.

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We don’t need Andy to kick the ball like Zach Merrett, we already have one Zach Merrett.

Andy will average more running bounces per game than Merrett will over 5 games, that is his weapon.

All we need for Andy to be is a reliable kick who rarely turns the ball over.

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I know it was only JLT but he had that “Come with me boys” vibe in the last quarter. Will be captain after Heppell.

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Saad is a better back pocket than McGrath.

We’ve got options.

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He’s a last quarter specialist. Will be very handy in the close ones.

Those nostalgic for the McGrath Wanganeen comparison forget that we could afford Wanganeen in the back pocket because we had Longy in the midfield.
Along with Mercuri, Misiti and a certain No. 10.
Plus of course some quality grunt players like Denham etc.

It’s a more valid comparison to look at McGrath as our potential line breaking Longy equivalent.
His ability to change direction and go on destructive multiple bounce runs has similarities.

Alongside the class of Merrett Shiel Heppell and the grunt of Smith (and whoever can step up from Langford Parish Myers etc) you’re got the bones of a strong team.
Apart from Fanta & Walla’s burst spells in the middle we’re short of this if you insist on playing McGrath back. Leave that flashy backline stuff to Conor and Saad.

Merrett will be captain after Heppell and then, potentionally McGrath

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Will be elite elite elite

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A couple of weeks ago McGrath was paying $101 to be our leading vote getter in the brownlow. Now he’s $9

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Has that pushed Merretts odds out? Might be a good time to jump on him.