(MAYBE) Consensus Opinion: Jack Macrae might be the highest polling player NEVER to win a B&F - That changes in 23

I think (I think) I am renowned for giving Macrae a hard time on here - particularly for his body language when things (particularly the position he is playing) aren't going his way. BUT that's only because I admire him so much that I simply cannot stand the way he lets himself down.

He has been an amazing player for us - incredibly consistent, hard working, clean and RELENTLESS with his running on match day. I think he is absolutely incredible and a 'cross' between those great icons of the 2000's - Scott West and Daniel Cross - but with a WAY better kick than either of those two.

Anyway - I think it is time he walked home a winner on Charles Sutton night. I feel he would be pretty disappointed with what he delivered in 2022 and will be thinking 'come-back' in the biggest way...and I just think he has the ability to challenge himself on-field in a way few others can.

Macrae for the B&F in 2023 - and to return to the AA team.

I think he will have an outstanding year with more minutes available in his preferred role and a fire in his belly from the disappointment of 2022.

But unfortunately for him he still plays with Bont, so he won't be winning the B&F.

I think he should have won the B&F already but he doesn't seem to get the internal acknowledgement even when he is flying.

He also competes with some pretty good candidates and Bont wins when he is fit.
There is also competition coming from Naughton, Bailey Smith and others which might prevent Jack ever claiming the B&F

He can be happy contributing to some flags and perhaps claim a Norm Smith. (This year would be good)

I’ve always sorta suspected that Bevo doesn’t value Jack as much as he should.

He's so team-orientated I believe he doesn't care about individual honours. Some players are just like this. I think he's proud when he achieves i.e. AA accolades and VC honours but he strikes me as someone who just gets on with it quietly.

No way he gets close to the award with a fully fit Bont.

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Originally Posted by 1eyedog

He's so team-orientated I believe he doesn't care about individual honours.

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Which is why - this year - he wins!

I love Jack. In the pantheon of Bulldogs champion, I rate him above Scott West.

One thing about Jack though is that whilst he can play different roles, he doesn't seem to be able to play different positions. I wonder when he eventually ages whether he ends up down back like Matthew Boyd - or is there another string to his bow?

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Originally Posted by 1eyedog

He's so team-orientated I believe he doesn't care about individual honours.

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I think he is concerned a lot by his own contribution and he can tell you how many kicks and handballs he has had during a game. Whether he cares about the honours, I am not sure.

I totally agree with the OP on this one.

Contentious opinion - not enough hurt factor. Love the way he accumulates, but to hurt you he has to have high 30 posession game - Bont/Smith can hurt you with 20

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Originally Posted by FrediKanoute

Contentious opinion - not enough hurt factor. Love the way he accumulates, but to hurt you he has to have high 30 posession game - Bont/Smith can hurt you with 20

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Macrae's retention from inside 50s is well ahead of Smith. Miles ahead

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Originally Posted by Mofra

Macrae's retention from inside 50s is well ahead of Smith. Miles ahead

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Also Macrae is less likely to kick it straight to an opponent player. Perhaps this is what you (partially) were saying.

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Originally Posted by josie

Also Macrae is less likely to kick it straight to an opponent player. Perhaps this is what you (partially) were saying.

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Except he did exactly that on Saturday.

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Originally Posted by SquirrelGrip

Except he did exactly that on Saturday.

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So did many players including lots of Melbourne players. Unfortunately we didn't make them pay when they did.

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Originally Posted by SquirrelGrip

Except he did exactly that on Saturday.

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True, but to my eye Baz is a bigger culprit from prior games.