Jack McCrae

[cwrcyn]

Those who are not happy with us picking up McCrae should go back and watch all our 2024 games and see how utterly atrocious we were at clearances for a big chunk of the year. That alone cost us half a dozen games.

McCrae is a necessity. I don't care if he's not quite the player he was 3 years ago, he's still a better clearance player than anyone we have in our current midfield

And we gave up bugger all for him.

[Nick DalSanto Claus]

So is McCrae any better than Seb Ross or Jack Billings?

Yes. Yes he is. A significant upgrade and fills the hole left by Ross and probably Crouch. Our midfield is improved already. Now, to nail those precious draft picks.

I wouldn't be surprised if we split pick 8 for 2 other first rounders. That would give us the 3 first rounders RTB has mentioned previously. Well done to the team. We are well placed now.

[Yorkeys]

I guess the emergence of Richards the red head is why JMc dropped in the Doggies pecking order rather than a form issue per se. All the chance in the world he will make a big positive contribution.

[Killa]

Without going to any official statistics, my observation would be that Marshall was far and away our best clearance player, following up on his ruck work by getting hands on the ball

Past that, support was forthcoming from Clark after his return from injuries (and on managed time)

So there was a problem - noting the absence of Crouch

Will McCrae offer a solution?

Time will tell - but it is worth asking the question (noting McRae’s height and weight so going forward you would trust he can take a mark when called upon)

We do have some class in Steele (who is a more around the ground performer and not someone you associate with clearance work per se)

And Sinclair when he goes in there (weakening our defence so preferably sweeping around in defence with Wanganeen-Milera)

Phillipou has shown distinct potential particularly after his VFL stint

Jones at his best contributes but the gap between best and otherwise needs addressing

[bergsone]

So what picks do we have now,thanks

7,8, 32, 47

Can still trade draft picks up to and during draft night

But no players

Does that include future picks,in what is a strong draft wouldnt mind another pick

[silverhalo]

Welcome to the club Jack, glad to have you on board! And of course, in true St.Kilda tradition, we've brought in another Jack

[SaintPav]

See what the Dorks gave up for Barrass? I hope they’re in the window

[Waltzing St Kilda]

Pick 45 in recent drafts:

2016: Jack Maibaum
2017: James Worpel
2018: Ben Cavarra
2019: Trent Bianco
2020: Tom Highmore
2021: Arlo Draper
2022: Alwyn Davey (father-son selection)
2023: Joel Freijah

[Yorkeys]

Pick 45 in recent drafts:

2016: Jack Maibaum
2017: James Worpel
2018: Ben Cavarra
2019: Trent Bianco
2020: Tom Highmore
2021: Arlo Draper
2022: Alwyn Davey (father-son selection)
2023: Joel Freijah

So Hawthorn has kept Worpel for 7 years and only now he has improved enough to become an average player. That's loyalty esp when showing the door to a raft of premiership players. His sponsor must be a very big donor.

[B.M]

In essence

Macrae cost us a pick slide from 27-32

[B.M]

Macrae vs Kennedy

Macrae has been a star of the game is is still a very good player

Kennedy has never been anymore than a GOP

[Killa]

I note that Macrae is approximately the same height and weight as Battle and Hayes.

And comparable to Wood and Sharman.

I trust that he comes with the attitude of proving people wrong, noting the work ethic which saw him rise to elite.

St Kilda would have sussed out the attitude - and that he is free of ailments.

I look for him to be an experienced driver of this young St Kilda side also giving us a physical presence.

Then there are 2 selections inside the top 10 and where you would look for them to replicate Wanganeen-Milera, Phillipou and Wilson.

Noting that to the side which represented St Kilda in the final H&A fixture, we add King, Windhager, Henry and Caminiti.

Plus any of the kids we have given exposure to or are looking for opportunity banging down the door across pre-season demanding selection.

The rise of these kids will make Macrae even more valuable.

[Brunswicksainter]

Those who are not happy with us picking up McCrae should go back and watch all our 2024 games and see how utterly atrocious we were at clearances for a big chunk of the year. That alone cost us half a dozen games.

McCrae is a necessity. I don't care if he's not quite the player he was 3 years ago, he's still a better clearance player than anyone we have in our current midfield

And we gave up bugger all for him.

I’m not necessarily against the acquisition, but I doubt Macrae will feature as heavily through the middle next year as you are suggesting. He is a high forward/wing, that has been primary role for a couple years now.

[nostalgicsaint]

Those who are not happy with us picking up McCrae should go back and watch all our 2024 games and see how utterly atrocious we were at clearances for a big chunk of the year. That alone cost us half a dozen games.

McCrae is a necessity. I don't care if he's not quite the player he was 3 years ago, he's still a better clearance player than anyone we have in our current midfield

And we gave up bugger all for him.

I’m not necessarily against the acquisition, but I doubt Macrae will feature as heavily through the middle next year as you are suggesting. He is a high forward/wing, that has been primary role for a couple years now.

Reportedly this is why he wanted to leave. He is a clearance mid being pushed into other roles.

[damienc]

So is McCrae any better than Seb Ross or Jack Billings?

Three times all Australian. Does that answer your question? I believe also holds the record of the greatest number of possessions gathered by a single player in an AFL game. I think eat both for breakfast might be the words you’re looking for.

[damienc]

We don't need to keep bringing in players that aren't good enough to get a game in their current teams.

McCrae is coming to us because he wants more midfield time, because he's not good enough to earn it in a current top 8 side.

If he's still getting a lot of midfield time in years 2 and 3 with us then we're going to be in trouble.

No. He’s coming to us because he had a major falling out with the coach who wouldn’t play him or played him out of position. There loss is our gain.

[spert]

Without going to any official statistics, my observation would be that Marshall was far and away our best clearance player, following up on his ruck work by getting hands on the ball

Past that, support was forthcoming from Clark after his return from injuries (and on managed time)

So there was a problem - noting the absence of Crouch

Will McCrae offer a solution?

Time will tell - but it is worth asking the question (noting McRae’s height and weight so going forward you would trust he can take a mark when called upon)

We do have some class in Steele (who is a more around the ground performer and not someone you associate with clearance work per se)

And Sinclair when he goes in there (weakening our defence so preferably sweeping around in defence with Wanganeen-Milera)

Phillipou has shown distinct potential particularly after his VFL stint

Jones at his best contributes but the gap between best and otherwise needs addressing

McCrae's disposal by foot is excellent, which is what we lack in our midfield. Marshall may win clearances, but his clearance disposals are shanks in the general direction of the forward half to no-one in particular, same probably for Clark.

[66Iwasthere]

Can we get the spelling of his name correct from the outset MACRAE

[perfectionist]

Can we get the spelling of his name correct from the outset MACRAE

I wouldn't hold my breath. People here can't even get Nick Riewoldt's spelling right.

Minus: Jack Macrae is 30 and had climbed the mountain and is on his way down.

Plus: He's 6ft 4inches and has clean hands - when he gets it. Can he push himself into the play in 2025 like he did in 2021?

[SinCitySainter]

Is he better than Ross or Crouch? He was but whether he still is is yet to be determined.
He cost virtually nothing so that is a positive.
The idea that he was pushed out of the midfield at the Dogs because of their amazing midfield depth is somewhat countered by the fact that they brought in the very ordinary Kennedy as a replacement.
He is as slow as a wet weekend which is a problem for a midfielder in the modern game.
In my opinion, it is an OK move, not earth shattering and unlikely to make us any better next year and he will only get worse as he gets older.
At least we didn't bring in Soldo and Kemp which would have just been stocking up on midtable talent.

[repta]

very low cost for a player we need.

Not going to be a star of the club. Hopefully serviceable and most importantly what we need.

Great post above regarding the quality Pick 45s in the last few years. Put it in perspective. Hit and miss with more chance of miss at that end of the draft.

[repta]

very low cost for a player we need.

Not going to be a star of the club. Hopefully serviceable and most importantly what we need.

Great post above regarding the quality Pick 45s in the last few years. Put it in perspective. Hit and miss with more chance of miss at that end of the draft.

[Beno88]

If he's in the 23, Jack will play his 250th game in Round 1.

[damienc]

very low cost for a player we need.

Not going to be a star of the club. Hopefully serviceable and most importantly what we need.

Great post above regarding the quality Pick 45s in the last few years. Put it in perspective. Hit and miss with more chance of miss at that end of the draft.

Not going to be a star? How could you possibly know that. You don't. His skill set is elite. You, like most people on this thread are judging him on a season where he was is in and out of the side, mostly out. Was played out of position by the coach and unhappy. The fact that he wanted to leave the Dogs for a fresh start, bodes well for our footy club. Will he recapture the form of 2021? We will find that out. He will be a great mentor for our young players. Three times All Australian is a pretty good recommendation.

[King Max]

Macrae not McCrae
It's a gaelic name.
It means son of Stephen Rae.