That’s because this time last year, he was sidelined with an achilles injury that would ultimately derail his entire season. Now however, it’s a much different story and things are looking up for the 203 centimetre ruckman.
“If they (my achilles) feel fine, I keep pushing forward with my pre-season and get as many miles into them as I can but they’re the best they’ve been in three to four years so I’m really happy at the moment with how everything is going,” he told kangaroos.com.au after the match at Bruce Purser Reserve in New South Wales.
In wet conditions and without Todd Goldstein for the second half, McIntosh was forced to take on three high-quality Sydney ruckman by the end of the night.
“It was a bit of a challenge. Obviously all the Swans’ ruckmen are really good players - Pyke, Seaby and Mumford.
“Mumford’s one of the best in the competition so I enjoyed the chance to go up against him. I probably did okay and competed well against them when Goldy was taken off.”
Backing up from the NAB Cup opener against Richmond and Hawthorn, McIntosh has been one of North Melbourne’s best performers so far this pre-season.
“The last few weeks have not been too bad, my form is slowly getting there. It would have been nice to get a win but still there were a lot of positives to take out of the night from a few of the boys so there are a few things to work on and we’ll keep on improving.
“I’m feeling pretty fit, but it’s just good to be out there and not having the year like last year and being able to run around on the park. I’ve showed a little bit of form, but I’ve still got a lot of things to work on.”
Management of both his achilles tendons is now key to McIntosh staying healthy for the remainder of the year, but he says the proper processes are in place.
“I have to ice them after games and look after them as best as I can. It’s more of a loading thing now and making sure we’re on top of that, but I touch base with our medical staff throughout the week and we monitor that closely.”
Follow Hamish on Twitter @Hmcintosh01
