GVL Data ǀ McDonagh supreme as Eagles’ sole ruck

By James Kleeman

Sep 14, 2022

Air-time: Mansfield ruckman Tom McDonagh flies above Rochester’s Dan Russell.

A 40 hit-out game is something most ruckmen strive for.

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For Mansfield big man Tom McDonagh, his performance against Mooroopna in his side’s qualifying final on Saturday was the third time he has managed this feat this year.

After an early-season injury, the Eagles ruck has gradually grown into the year, and has managed 29 hit-outs or more in his last five games.

His round 12 performance against Shepparton United is an obvious highlight; McDonagh had his way over his opponent to amass a whopping 50 hit-outs.

But it’s his following four games which are perhaps his most impressive.

McDonagh chalked up a huge 47 in an important round 11 clash with Seymour, and put together arguably his best showing of the year in round 16 against Mooroopna.

Not only did he put up 36 hit-outs against the Cats, McDonagh also compiled 16 disposals (his most for the season), nine contested and seven uncontested possessions, as well as five clearances and four tackles.

McDonagh is fourth in the league in total hit-outs this year (517), and averages 27.2 across his 19 games.