McKay, who posts as Macca19 on the BigFooty forum, gives his best five players each week.
The views below are those of McKay, and not necessarily the club.
Macca19’s Top 5
Jackson Trengove
Clarke kicked a couple of goals but I thought Trengove was doing a fine job defensively in trying to keep some composure into our defensive group. Then that last quarter! Is there a more influential player in our side than Jackson Trengove? I don't know if there is. He can turn a game in our favour like no other. It was a bold move to move him into the ruck but it was the single key in winning us that game. He literally monstered Sandi in that last quarter. Jumped all over him, found teammates with the ball and laid some huge tackles. Incredible player. Pure Port Adelaide.
Chad Wingard
Sluggish first half but went bang after half time and proved his worth again as a big game player. 4 second half goals and mark of the year when the game was on the line. Could have easily had another 2 in that last where he had very gettable goals. You can just rely on Wingard to come up with the goods when we need him to. Superstar.
Jarman Impey
Wow is this kid gonna be something special. Has done some good jobs this year on some good players but all that was minimal compared to what he showed today. Kept Ballantyne to under 10 touches and a behind. Was right on his hammer all day and even when Balla got the ball, he had to get rid of it straight away for fear of being tackled. His closing speed is out of this world. His tenacity and love for the contest makes me happy inside. To come up with that game when many were calling for him to have a rest against a big team is great news for the future. It’s an unfair comparison to make but he has such a young Mcleod feel about his game. Great side step, good in traffic, lightning quick and great one on one. Will be an All Australian by the age of 22.
Alipate Carlile
Loved his game on Pav. Pav has been in good form and we know how often they look for him, but Bobby did a great job in limiting him to just the one goal and not really allowing Pav to have any sort of impact inside 50. Not only deserves, but it will be insulting if he doesn't start getting the credit he deserves through the football world now. Great player in career form.
Robbie Gray
They did a lot of work on Robbie and you'd say up till half time it was a key reason why Freo were in front. Sutcliffe did a fantastic job on keeping him out of the play. Then he went BANG! That second half. 25 touches and you'd have to say it was a real key to our win. Stunning half of football. HIs ability to keep the ball in front of him and almost have it on a string with one hand and still manage to get an effective disposal whilst being tackle is ridiculous. Such a good footballer in close. The love I have for Robbie continues to grow to worrying levels.
Best of the young players
Ollie Wines
Loved his first half. Very strong over the ball and was using it well. That continued in the second half. Theres not much to say really. Just is a maniac in the contest and seems to hate getting beaten. Works so damn hard and you still feel he's got so much more improvement left in him. Could be scary good.
Kane Mitchell
Great effort Kane! Really enjoyed his game today. Used the ball well, worked hard to find space and kicked 2 great goals, especially the ripper from the boundary at an important time in the game. Great at winning his own ball as we've seen all year in the SANFL. Well deserves more game time next week and beyond. His best game at AFL level.
