Dan McStay’s versatility in moving forwards in attack and back in defence, paired with his intensity and athleticism makes the 22-year-old a coach’s dream.

A highlight for McStay in the 2017 season was his nomination for AFL’s Mark of the Year in Round 19, when he soared on top of Melbourne Demons players to claim the ball.

McStay continues to get better and better with each season and luckily for Lions fans, he has signed on with the Club until at least the end of the 2019 season.

Statistics:

Games: 19

Disposals per game: 11.7

Tackles per game: 1.7

Marks per game: 5.0

Kicks per game: 6.3

Total goals: 1

Highlights:  

Coaches’ Comment, Murray Davis, Backline Coach

"Dan showed his flexibility throughout the season, switching between forward and back at different stages of the season.  Defensively he had some breakout games, Western Bulldogs in Round 5 he had 8 spoils, 2 intercept marks & laid 4 tackles, and in Round 15 against Essendon he had similar numbers along with reducing Cale Hookers influence on the game. Both these games highlighted his courage and intensity for the contest and potential as an athletic defender."

In their own words:

“The coaches attitude and positivity has been a big thing and really given power to the players.

“And it is also the players’ attitude as well and our want to really improve.

“Something I have really been working hard on throughout my career is accepting the role that is best for the team.

“One of my strengths is being able to chop and change when the team needs me and the coaches thought they needed another tall target.

“The decision when to mark or spoil in defence is something I’m still working on and it was good to go forward and not have to worry about making that decision and to be able to just fly at it and try to take a mark.’’

- Dan McStay told the Courier Mail in June after signing with the Lions for another two years.

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