Let’s look into the preseason shape of the AFL ruck divisions. This is not an exercise in predicting the form of teams, players or divisions, but the current shape and value of each ruck division.
Grades should not to be used to compare against other teams, but as a form of evaluating the current situation at the club in question.
Essendon
Number one ruckman: Patrick Ryder
Backups: David Hille, Tom Bellchambers
What I said last year: over stocked and loving it.
2013: In light of recent developments, reviewing anything to do with Essendon at this point of time would be unwise.
Until such time that we can be sure of the clubs situation for the 2013 season, I personally think there should be a moratorium on all Essendon line-up discussions.
Lets hope for the sake of all involved in footy that this issue is resolved for the better.
Fremantle
Number one ruckman: Aaron Sandilands
Backups: Jonathon Griffin, Zac Clarke, Jake Hannath and Craig Moller (rookie)
What I said last year: Griffin and Clarke stepped up admirably to fill some size 17 shoes. Grade, A
2013: He’s big.
He’s very big.
And he’s back. At least, back on track.
Aaron Sandilands recently recorded a personal best in a 3km time trial and has stated he can see his career lasting beyond his contract, which ends in 2014.
Realistically, that might be a tall order for someone so injury prone.
But, for the finals bound Dockers, 2013 is all that matters, and a strong performance from the three-time All Australian needs to play a big role if success is to be on the cards.
Sandilands’ 2012 was marred by the persistent turf-toe injury that also plagued him in 2011, but still managed to play some impressive footy in the 12 games he did play.
His deputies in Clarke (14 games) and Griffin (13 games) performed remarkably well when on the deck, proving to all that this ruck division is far from a one man show.
In fact, if injury and form allows it, this could be one of the most damaging ruck trios in the league.
All three big men can play the lead role; all three can play a commanding role up forward if need be; and all are boosted by an ever improving midfield.
Grade: A resounding A++
Gold Coast
Number one ruckman: Zac Smith
Backups: Thomas Nichols, Danielle Gorringe and Josh Hall (rookie).
What I said last year: Lacking depth, and much will be asked of Smith and Fraser.
2013: Well if the Suns of 2012 lacked depth the Suns of 2013 are scraping the bottom of the barrel.
The retirement of Josh Fraser and the trading of Tom Hickey to Saint Kilda have really left this already young and fragile ruck brigade brittle.
Zac Smith has proven that, despite his young age, he is capable of delivering at the highest level of the game.
However, his 2012 was far less than convincing, and Suns fans will be hoping that reports of his high intensity and work load at training under new mentor Matthew Primus will translate into a dominant performance on field.
However, he is only one player, and his deputies still don’t quite look the goods.
Rookie Josh Hall was impressive against Richmond in Cairns last year, but the former high jumper needs to improve on his fitness base in a big way.
South Australian Danielle Gorringe has never quite proven his worth following repeated leg injuries. He would be set for another season in the wilderness if his club didn’t need him to step up immediately.
The Suns look brittle in the middle, and either need a big strong ruckman for Christmas this year or for one of the young Suns to have a break out 2013.
Either way, a lot is being put on the shoulders of too few.
Grade: D
russ
Guest
hey damo nice review, but "nous" is the word you are looking for nonce means something you don't ever want to use in conversation about yourself (particuarly if you are in prison at the time).
Damo
Roar Guru
I'm using an official listing of recognized players. I've also used a little nonce and personal bias, I'll admit. Hall is recognized as a ruckman according to my sources. He may be a little short but his vertical leap is (as it should be for his background) superb. I didn't list Dixon as he (in my opinion) is best suited as a key position tall at either full back/half back where he's played some good footy last season or full forward. Sure he can take the ruck duties at the ball ups in the forward/back fifty but I wouldn't say center square ruck work is the best thing for him or the Suns long term- imagine having a young gun FF with broken ribs and general soreness from competing in and losing the center ruck battle.
GaryA
Guest
As a Suns member I am surprised you would categorize our Rookie Josh Hall as a ruck stock. At 197cm he is a potential key position player in the long term, but not a ruckman. You left out Charlie Dixon at 200cm and 100kg+ he is a bullocking ruck/forward and has played his best footy in the ruck. We also have Rory Thompson at 200cm and 97kg being groomed as a key defender, but can also ruck if required. Tom Lynch at 199cm and 97kg has also rucked, and then we have Tom Nicholls at 201cm and 98kg who rucks tirelessly in the NEAFL team.