First year player Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has been one of the Bombers best performers this season, according to Robert Shaw.

McDonald-Tipungwuti has played all seven matches and is averaging 16 possessions (five contested), three score involvements and three rebounds from the defensive 50.

“If they counted the best and fairest votes now you’d have Zaharakis, you’d have Merrett, you’d have Kelly and I reckon he’s coming fourth and that is a fantastic story,” Shaw said.

“If he continues to work on his professionalism, preparation of his body and his game – you project that young man this time next year, you’ve got an outstanding player.”

Shaw said McDonald-Tipungwuti’s ability to remain competitive, even when the team is under immense pressure has been impressive.

“His form isn’t reflected by the scoreboard,” he said.

“His consistency whether you’re ten points up or 70 points down is absolutely remarkable. 

“He’s getting more confident, he uses the ball well, he’s got a beautiful balance of defence and attack.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti’s usual small defensive partner, Mark Baguley, was stationed in attack against the Swans. 

Baguley picked up 15 possessions, took five marks, laid five tackles and had three shots at goal. 

Shaw said the reasoning behind the move would have centred on the defensive pressure Baguley would bring to the forward line. 

“It was a pressure decision, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Shaw said. 

“He’s extremely courageous, he’s a leader – so to put pressure on their backline would have been one of the factors I would have thought and to try something different – nothing wrong with that.

“He gets the ball, he works hard and I thought it was a very positive move to try something a little bit different.”