These are Tim Clarkes comments on Matts VFL form:
Rd 3 Matt McDonough
Played a good inside midfield game. Was strong throughout at the stoppages and around the contested ball. But we need him to get more outside ball and to help set us up going forward.
Red 4 Matt McDonough
22 disposals, five clearances, 11 contested possessions
Spent the majority of the match in the midfield, with a couple of spells up forward. Was quite influential, with 22 touches, including 11 contested possessions. The best thing about Matty’s game was that a lot of his disposals were of AFL standard, which is what we expect from him.
Rd 5 Matt McDonough
30 disposals, seven clearances, three goals
Played his best game for the year, picking up 30 disposals and kicking three goals. Was very competitive inside the contest, but got plenty of ball outside as well, which is something we have been focusing on with him. Is pushing hard for another opportunity at senior level.
Rd 6 Matt McDonough
18 disposals, five tackles. Couldn’t back up his stellar performance from the previous round. Was okay on the night, with a lot of work inside, including three or four clearances and five tackles. Overall, however, we expect more from him.
Rd 7 Matt McDonough
16 disposals, three clearances, one goal
Played midfield in the first half, and then a little bit down back, before being ‘subbed’ at three-quarter time to be prepared for the AFL as a carry-over player. Was probably a little down on his customary high standard clearance work and competitive work inside. But we expect his form to pick up this week.
Rd 8 Matt McDonough
18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 7 tackles. Only played a half of footy and still had 18 touches. Impacted the game in crucial stoppages and played a high level of AFL footy. Another player pushing for senior selection.
