St Kilda leader Jack Newnes admits seeing Paddy McCartin depart another game prematurely was deflating on Saturday, particularly given the year the key forward has endured.
McCartin began brightly at the MCG, out marking dual All Australian Alex Rance before kicking his first goal. Then, in the incident where he broke his collarbone, McCartin attacked the ball fearlessly, drew a free kick for high contact, before slotting his second goal from the pocket.
Unfortunately for the 2014 No. 1 pick, his injury plagued season ended there. But Newnes is confident the 20-year-old will rebound strongly from his frustrating season.
“Everyone was so flat for him on the weekend. He worked his way back into the side and everyone was really excited about him,” Newnes told Crocmedia’s Sportsday on Monday.
“He started on fire; kicked those two goals but just so unlucky again. I think you can just lock in that he’s going to be a star of the future; he’s just got to get his body right.
Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season
“He’s going to be right for Round 1 next year, it’s just a broken collarbone so in that aspect I guess it’s positive.”
Newnes lauded Leigh Montagna’s transition across half-back this season, praising the veteran’s ability to direct traffic down back and pick up trends in the heat of battle.
“Obviously his stats have been unreal all year, but it’s not just that, he’s playing in the backline now and he just kind of dictates,” Newnes said.
“He leads and tells everyone where to stand; he notices what’s happening during the game and he can change it on the spot.
“So he and ‘Roo’ bounce off each other unbelievably well, I think those two as a leadership partnership have been really good for us.”
