After his first season as a pure forward replacing an injured Sam Reid, Tom McCartin spent his 2019 rotating between defence and offence. He increased his fantasy average by four points without much variation in his stat sheet. Regardless of where he played, his output remained far from relevant. McCartin's positioning coming into 2020 is far less certain than his inability to score anything noteworthy. It's an easy pass for this developing Swan.
Pushing McCartin a valley
After his first season as a pure forward replacing an injured Sam Reid, Tom McCartin spent his 2019 rotating between defence and offence. He increased his fantasy average by four points without much variation in his stat sheet. Regardless of where he played, his output remained far from relevant. McCartin's positioning coming into 2020 is far less certain than his inability to score anything noteworthy. It's an easy pass for this developing Swan.
McCartin pushes heavy barrow
After Sam Reid went down with injury, Tom McCartin was given much more responsibility in his first season than most key forwards. He didn’t present fantasy coaches with anything spectacular, but he’ll have definitely gained invaluable experience by being immediately thrust into the seniors. McCartin had six scores under 40, which is enough to look away now. With another preseason under his belt McCartin will certainly be looking to improve. Unfortunately for him, a fit Reid slots back into the forward line, possibly pushing McCartin back into the twos if they decide to go more mobile with their third tall forward. Avoid him in the draft at all costs, and don’t get him confused with brother Paddy either.
Starting gun for McCartin
Showing more athletic promise than his Saint brother Paddy, Tom McCartin is a strong mark with an impressive vertical leap, going at rates of 12 disposals and six marks in the TAC Cup for less than a goal per game. As expected with young tall forwards, McCartin will take time to ease into AFL level. He may feature at some stage, but won’t be a regular name on the team sheet. Wait a couple years before drafting this kid.
