Collingwood fans, another father-son draft selection could be on the way with Thomas McGuane, son of 1990 premiership player Mick, starring for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League.
Mick McGuane played 152 games for the Pies from 1987 to 1996 and a further three games for Carlton in 1997. He won two best and fairests at Collingwood and was named an All-Australian in 1992 and Goal of the Year winner in 1994.
Thomas becomes draft eligible in 2025 as he’s still only 16 years old, but that hasn’t stopped him from standing out in the Coates Talent League as an underage player by averaging 25.1 disposals, 4.8 marks and 3.8 inside 50s a game playing primarily on a wing.
McGuane stands at 177cm and is still lightly framed, making his impact even more impressive given he’s not yet one of the bigger bodies in the competition.
His performances drew the attention of SEN Future Stars hosts John Donohoe and James Pitcher – who is a player agent from Bravo Talent Management that looks after the likes of Darcy Moore, Jacob Weitering and other big names.
The duo discussed McGuane’s impact so far in 2024 and even put an eye ahead to his draft year next campaign.
Donohoe: “The Western Jets had a tight one as well, they had a three-point win over the Knights – 13.6 (84) to 12.9 (81).”
Pitcher: “Yeah, it was a good win by the Jets down at Williamstown.
“Now there’s a young fella for next year’s draft with a famous surname that’s been going very well, Tommy McGuane, Mick’s son.
“Tommy is a sort of a half-back flanker, wing, midfield type that uses the ball really well.
“His last few weeks in particular (with disposals) he’s had – 24, 24, 31, 22, 24, 38 – and he’s hitting the scoreboard as well (with five goals from eight games).
“So, he’s a name that we need to look out for at the end of next year as a father-son.”
Donohoe: “It’s scary if he’s doing that at this point when he’s an underage player.
“To think what he could potentially do next year if he’s doing that, he’s going to be right up there in the top 10 or top 15 (picks).”
Pitcher: “And this is not to be disrespectful to the Jets, but they’re not the strongest squad, so sometimes it’s harder when you’ve got to find your own footy (which Tom is doing).
“He had a good under-16s carnival last year, but he’s really come on this year.
“It’s really good to see a future father-son in the works.”
The Jets currently sit eighth out of 18 sides. They next play on Saturday, June 29 against the Oakleigh Chargers at MacPherson Park.
In the meantime, McGuane is likely to play for Keilor in the EDFL where his father Mick is the coach of the seniors.