The Bombers’ injury crisis post mid-season has meant they have blooded 15 debutants this season. Versatile ruck-forward Kayle Gerreyn is the only remaining player yet to be given a taste of senior football, but the former No.37 draft pick from WA was in strong consideration after a robust effort against Sandringham in the VFL last weekend.
Happy Harry
Harry McKay had his best outing of a discombobulated season with seven goals against Port Adelaide last Saturday – an equal career high. The Bombers are terribly undermanned, so McKay could yet have another feast. That’s potentially good news for the 2021 Coleman medallist – and Blues – for two reasons. If he stays a Blue, it will give him momentum heading into the pre-season. Or, if there are interested suitors, and he is traded, it could raise his value, as AFL great Nick Riewoldt pointed out, allowing the Blues to secure more for him.
Harry McKay booted seven goals last week, the highlight in a difficult season for the Carlton forward.Credit: Getty Images
(Broken) Family ties
Like De Koning, Jack Silvagni is expected to be in different colours next season – potentially those of the black and white variety. That’s almost as unpalatable for a diehard Blues fan as it would be having to order a vegan pizza on a night out on Lygon St. A sore groin means Silvagni again won’t be playing on Thursday but, if he is spotted in the crowd, it’s worth a quick clap to thank the Silvagni family – late grandfather Serge, father Steve and Jack himself – for what they have given to the Blues through the decades. For those of us of a certain vintage, it’s also going to take some time to get used to seeing Jack’s mother Jo in new team colours.
Power failure
If there are Essendon and Carlton fans who are prepared to mingle (at the ground, or on the couch), they can commiserate together about another flag-less season for the one-time power clubs who continue to stumble and bumble along. The Bombers’ last flag was in 2000, the year of the Sydney Olympics, when John Howard was prime minister. For the Blues, the drought extends to 1995, when Paul Keating was prime minister, and the West Indies – until Australia’s tour of the Caribbean in that same year – still ruled the cricket world. Perhaps it’s time to dust off the old VHS tapes – for anyone younger than 20, you can look up what they are – of those last premierships, before flicking on the Fox Footy coverage.
The siren sounds on the 1999 preliminary final between Essendon and Carlton.Credit: Pat Scala
Coach debate
For those with a touch of the Brisbane bloodlines, we have premiership teammates turned senior coaches Brad Scott and Michael Voss going head-to-head. Scott and Voss were flagless in their first coaching incarnations. Who could get there first in their second coming? That’s worth a good half-time debate.
Trade machine
Loading
Ahead of what shapes as a busy trade period, there’s no harm in going through the entire playing list of each team, or even just the actual teams which take to the field, and tick off who you think won’t be at your club next season. A penny for the thoughts of new Blues chief executive Graham Wright if he is shown in the stands. Voss said this week the Blues need players with more speed who can use the ball. When a Blue butches a kick, it’s worth penning the three best midfielders you think they could attract.
Making his mark
Mid-season draftee Liam McMahon has been a find for the Bombers. The Blues’ former VFL captain booted four goals against Geelong, and three against St Kilda. McMahon is off contract, and will be desperate to continue his great form.
Liam McMahon’s path to the top has included a stint on Collingwood’s list and Carlton’s VFL team. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Thank goodness
If this turns into a stinkathon, fans could thank Seven for opting to spare the wider football community of this game, in favour of Sunday night’s top-four defining clash between Hawthorn and Brisbane.
Back in business
Back to the serious stuff, Sam Walsh was arguably the best afield in his return from a long lay-off last week. He remains one of the league’s best midfielders, and is always worth watching. Fellow midfielder George Hewett has had a superb season, and deserves applause. And then there’s Patrick Cripps, another season wasted in the pursuit of the ultimate success. He, too, deserves a thank you.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
