Lets take our look at the next lot of ruck divisions for the 2012 season, starting with the new kids on the block, GWS Giants.
Greater Western Sydney
Number one: Jonathon Giles
Back-ups: Dean Brogan, Andrew Phillips (rookie), Tom Downie
As the Giants’ signing policy became transparent last year, it revealed the expected direction of youth with a sprinkling of veterans to balance the ledger.
The Giants’ ruck stocks are a microcosm of this policy, with two youngsters in Phillips and Downie being mentored by Port Adelaide champion Dean Brogan. Another ex-Power player in Jonathon Giles, has been thrown in as an immediate ruckman.
Neville Stibbard seems to believe such a system can work, stating after the rookie draft which secured Giles and Phillips in 2010 that “We locked in some height with Jonathan Giles and Andrew Philips. Giles is looked on as the best ruckman outside the AFL system… We’re expecting him to carry our ruck position into our first AFL season. We’re hoping that Phillips will develop well under Giles and will be ready to go by 2012.”
The truth of course is Giles is a good and ready made ruckman – in the SANFL. Being the best in a second-tier comp does not mean you’ll rate anything above average in the top grade.
And yes, Brogan is one of the best available for a development role, working with the youngsters, but on-field one can’t help but think that the big man should have hung up the boots for good when he left the Power.
Whatever role he plays on-field will be token, throwing a lot of responsibility onto Giles and the young recruits.
Grade: D
Hawthorn
Number one: Max Bailey
Back-ups: Jarryd Roughead, David Hale, Sam Grimley, Luke Lowden , Adam Pattison (rookie), Broc McCauley (rookie)
In 2011, Hawthorn began to develop a reputation of attracting big names and players vital for success.
Over the last few seasons the likes of Burgoyne and Gibson had fought for trades to the Hawks, joined by young Adelaide forward Jack Gunston this last trade window.
Perhaps the most important signing for the Hawks, however, has been former Kangaroo David Hale. The big forward/ruckman has been hailed by coach Alastair Clarkson, who described his recruitment as “a godsend” after Hale proved to be “a great back-up in the ruck to Max Bailey.”
Bailey, a name more often read on the long term injury list than the games run sheet, also began to stand out in 2011 after finally recovering from crippling knee injuries in seasons past, and began to pay back the club for their perseverance.
With back-up also coming from forward Jarryd Roughead, the Hawks were able to unveil surprising depth in the ruck, which is fortunate this season with the loss of Brett Renouf to Port Adelaide.
Should Bailey continue his form and clean run with injury, this depth and talent should see the Hawks well into another finals tilt.
Grade; B+/A-
Melbourne
Number one: Mark Jamar
Back-ups; Stefan Martin, James Sellar, Max Gawn, Jake Fitzpatrick, Jake Spencer
Last season, Melbourne’s Mark Jamar confirmed his emergence as one of the most influential and dangerous ruckmen in the comp. His size, determination and tap skills bolstered the young Demon midfield and made him a cornerstone for future success.
However, his back-up has been limited.
Stefan Martin, an emerging favourite among Dees fans, has stated on the club website that he has benefitted from Mark Neeld’s clean slate approach. The inclusion of former Adelaide utility Sellar will add more to the Demons ruck should he be used away from the forward line.
Both players, especially the highly rated Martin, need to display their full potential this year to help change an otherwise one-dimensional ruck.
There is certainly potential for greater depth at Melbourne.
Grade; C+/B-
Kevin Hawkins
Roar Pro
Good series Damo. Enjoying your analysis. I disagree with your assessment on Melbourne. C+/B- is harsh given that you gave A+s to both Collingwood (one star, one depth ruckman and four no-names) and Essendon (which you concede has no no.1 big man). As you've acknowledged, Jamar is a gun in the ruck. Last year he and the much-improved Stefan Martin were one of the most potent ruck combinations in the league. On hitouts alone, Jamar was ranked 9th (from 15 games) while Martin was 18th (21 games). West Coast was the only other team to have had two players in the top 18 ruckmen in the league. Most importantly, both can fit into the one team with ease. Yes, the depth is shallow this year with Gawn gawn for the year, Spencer going nowhere and Fitzpatrick developing slowly, but if we were ranking the top 2 ruckman at each club, Melbourne would surely be in the top 5 (behind only West Coast, Essendon, Carlton and North). While Sellar (defence), Clark (forward) and Martin (utility) will certainly spend much time around the ground, their talent should not be underestimated. Should injuries occur, either of those three (particularly the latter two) could easily fit into the no.1 big man role.
Damo
Roar Guru
Not to my knowledge, but perhaps in this year where they're not really expected to even make the eight, it might be a chance to experiement with some new rotations. Mitch Clarke, Stephan Martin and Mark Jamar will probably have to now take the brunt of the ruck. But lack of height will definately be an achilles heel for the D's this season
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Damo that's serious stuff - do you know if they have anyone rookie listed that they can promote - are there any loopholes that would allow the Dees to get a ruckman in pronto?
Damo
Roar Guru
RE Melbourne; well with Jake Spencer and Max Gawn out for the season, they've had a real blow to their depth- that's their only two players over 200cm out for a year. I would seriously expect Clarke to have a greater role in the ruck now, and i'd also drop my rating to a C
Clayts
Guest
I'm thinking it will only take one injury or a string of losses for it to happen. Considering Clark was AA squad member as a ruck only a few seasons ago, I reckon it's every chance of happening
Damo
Roar Guru
In the listings i have he;s not mentioned as a ruckman, but ofcourse that doesn't mean he wont get a chance if needed or atleast ruck the forward half
Clayts
Guest
Mitch Clark at the Dees? I know Neeld has said he'll be used primarily up forward but surely he rates a mention as a back up?