Key forward Shaun McKernan says there are no ill-effects from the hamstring injury which cut short his breakthrough 2018 season.
In the absence of injured star forward Joe Daniher, McKernan proved a revelation in his fourth year as a Bomber, averaging 1.6 goals and 5.6 marks per game from 10 successive appearances.
His purple patch was halted by a serious hamstring injury in round 18, but the 28-year-old, who spent the Christmas break skiing in Canada with girlfriend Tayla, said he was refreshed and enjoying an uninterrupted pre-season.
“Off-season in October, I spent most of my time here at the club just with my hamstring, so I didn’t get a proper break then,” McKernan said.
“We rehabilitated it pretty well - it’s a credit to the physios and doctors.
“From day one of pre-season, I haven’t had any hurdles or setbacks - touch wood. Even coming back from Christmas, I haven’t had any problems ... When I got back here (from Canada), I just knew I was ready to train."
Shaun McKernan produced his best season as a Bomber in 2018. (Photo: AFL Media)
Rewarded for his 2018 campaign with a two-year contract extension, McKernan said he’d “taken confidence” out of finding more consistency in playing his role for the team.
But he’s hungry to take his game to another level this season, targeting improved defensive pressure as his mission.
“It’s (defensive pressure) still something I’m continuing to work on,” he said.
“Bringing (defence coach) Ben Rutten in has been terrific from a defensive point of view. I’ve been working with him very closely, and he’s been good at pulling edits out of training and showing me where I can improve.
“It’s a continual thing, but if you want to play in this team, you have to be able to put pressure on.”
Advice from his older brother Corey, who played 237 games for North Melbourne and Carlton, including the Kangaroos’ 1996 and ’99 premierships, will again be crucial to McKernan reaching his goals in 2019.
The former Crow said he was grateful for his brother’s continued support.
“As I’ve got older, he’s just been good at pointing out little strategies in terms of getting the most out of training and recovery. He’ll send me emails and messages with links of stuff to watch,” he said.
“As we head into the season, I’ll speak to him weekly and he’ll give me his feedback. I value his opinions and take them in.”
