As the ball is bounced in the centre, McMahon is matched up on Suns' youngster Alex Sexton 25 metres out from the Gold Coast goal.
From the centre, Harley Bennell takes possession and streams forward towards the right forward flank. Sexton leads to the opposite flank, perhaps as a decoy in order to drag McMahon away from the play.
However if this is the case, then McMahon is well aware of it and far too experienced to be sucked in. As Sexton leads, McMahon hangs back and watches the play unfold before making his move.
McMahon quickly realises Bennell can’t hook the ball around his body far enough to hit Sexton on the lead, and opts to leave his man and moves to where he knows the ball will go. By the time Bennell disposes of the ball, McMahon is already on his way to impact the contest.
As the ball nears the contest in the forward pocket, McMahon is perfectly situated to help out his teammates. Sam Day has caught Scott Thompson out of position and looks certain to drag down the mark. But McMahon has other ideas and Day is cleverly spoiled and the ball hits the deck.
But there’s still a risk of a goal being scored. As the ball is in dispute near the boundary line, McMahon makes his second smart move. Instead of being drawn into the contest, he takes up position at the top of the goal square to cover off a quick shot on goal from the congestion.
McMahon is again in the right spot at the right times and the ball lands on his chest. He then switches the play to the outer side and begins a North counter-attack.
This play was just one of many in which McMahon showed his worth as he works his way back to full match fitness. If he can stay healthy, he will continue to be a critical component in the backline.
North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows Sunday June 24, 2012 - 4.40pm Etihad Stadium Gates open at 3pm.
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