Situation not fair on Richmond outcast Jordan McMahon * Mike Sheahan
* From: Herald Sun
* April 22, 2010 SOMETHING has to give on the impasse between Richmond and Jordan McMahon.
McMahon is being humiliated, tied to a club that doesn't want him, growing more frustrated and despondent by the week.
He suffered the indignity of playing VFL reserves with Richmond's affiliate club, Coburg, at the weekend.
While he was returning from injury and Coburg was restricted to 12 of Richmond's listed players against Frankston, he is entitled to feel indignant, which, according to reports, he does.
A brooding, seemingly uninterested, attitude worsens.
McMahon is 26, played 12 games last year, including the last seven, and is one of Richmond's precious few run, carry and deliver players.
Yes, he can miss targets under pressure, but even the fiercest of his many critics acknowledge his kicking skills.
No, he isn't part of Richmond's future, but neither are veterans Ben Cousins, Troy Simmonds and Shane Tuck, nor six or seven players who have been in the system for four years or more and can't cut it at the level, and they're all playing or have played.
Richmond has used 32 players in four rounds this year, including blokes who aren't ready for league football and others who are ready for the scrapheap. McMahon isn't one of the 32.
How he must wish he were still with the Bulldogs, where he played 114 games from 2001-2007.
As it happened, then Richmond coach Terry Wallace, his original coach at the Bulldogs, lured him to Punt Rd, keen to exploit his pace and kicking skill.
The Tigers committed to a three-year contract believed to be worth $350,000 a year and gave up draft selection No. 19, which the Doggies used on Callan Ward.
McMahon has played 34 games in yellow and black.
His first season drew plenty of criticism from supporters and commentators, yet his returns were solid: most kicks, most handballs received, most rebounds from defensive 50, eighth in the best and fairest.
Hardwick wouldn't like the way McMahon goes about his football, but the new coach knew that on arrival.
If McMahon wasn't in his plans, which is patently obvious, he should have cut him adrift late last year.
At least it would have freed up a spot for a youngster.
Perhaps the Tigers are trying to force his hand, freeze him into a decision to walk away, thereby saving money. Surely there's a better way.
It is in the best interests of both parties for the coach either to tell him he will be treated on merit at the selection table, or that time's up, best to part ways. Now.
Hardwick seemed to bow to public pressure to give Tuck another opportunity after overlooking him in the first two rounds, then played him in defence against Melbourne on Sunday. With Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin.
Not sure Tucky's kicking lends itself to extended time at half-back. What I am sure about is Deledio and Cotchin should be spending the bulk of their time playing midfield and making more of their talents.
Sending Deledio and Cotchin to the midfield, and maybe even Tuck until Nathan Foley returns, would create a spot for McMahon, even with all his deficiencies.
Hardwick is right to commit to the future, but it's nice to be competitive along the way.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/situation-not-fair-on-richmond-outcast-jordan-mcmahon/story-e6frf9ix-1225856610782
