42. Jake Spencer [203cm 98kg 09.10.89 - 0 games 0 goals] - the rookie listed beanpole ruckman has a lot of grunt and endeavour in him. Jake is developing quite nicely in the VFL and is a prospect for the future.

I suppose slow and steady wins the race.... but its about as much fun as watching paint dry isnt it..waiting for a ruck !!

Hasnt really put a foot wrong on his learning curve. Lets roll out the cliches......... another preseason.. more time in gym.......and a bigger menu for the kid !!

hows that paint now ?? lol

Looking forward to Spencer's progress. Bit of grunt would be most welcome.

Has already moved ahead of the more highly drafted and experienced Meesen - should he come along at a similar rate in 2009 could press for a game or two in the AFL.

Has already moved ahead of the more highly drafted and experienced Meesen

Highly drafted means Adelaide got it wrong four years ago when they drafted him and experience does not come with 4 games in as many years. Beating Meesen is no scalp.

That said I hope Spencer is that ruckman we so badly need and have not got.

I'm only doing this because I haven't missed a number up till now. However, IHNFI about Spencer... for this reason I expect him to rocket into Sheehan's top 100 at 23 with a bullit by the start of 2010!

He turned 19 yesterday; I hope we don't have to wait four years.

His fitness will only improve after getting a full pre-season under his belt. Having arthroscopic surgery on his knee during the 2007/8 break Spencer didn't get a full preseason, doing modified training for much of the first months. Once his bout of glandular is over he will continue to bulk up and learn the ruck trade.

By the beginning of 2010 expect Spencer to be playing regularly, as a mobile, roving ruckman. He has surprising speed which was showcased in the Sandringham vs. Geelong game where he easily burnt 4 smaller midfield players and picked up 4 handball recieves in a run arching around the 50 to 15m out. He recieved a free kick after the only way he could be stopped was to be taken down illegally, he then kicked the goal. He also won a massive amount of taps and had over 7 disposals in the opening quarter. If that's a sign of things to come expect Jack Grimes, Cale Morton and the other young midfielders at Melbourne to be very happy with a healthy supply of ball in the coming years.

beanpole normally means super skinny doesnt it? he is listed at 98kgs which is reasonable, even if he is very tall..

His fitness will only improve after getting a full pre-season under his belt. Having arthroscopic surgery on his knee during the 2007/8 break Spencer didn't get a full preseason, doing modified training for much of the first months. Once his bout of glandular is over he will continue to bulk up and learn the ruck trade.

By the beginning of 2010 expect Spencer to be playing regularly, as a mobile, roving ruckman. He has surprising speed which was showcased in the Sandringham vs. Geelong game where he easily burnt 4 smaller midfield players and picked up 4 handball recieves in a run arching around the 50 to 15m out. He recieved a free kick after the only way he could be stopped was to be taken down illegally, he then kicked the goal. He also won a massive amount of taps and had over 7 disposals in the opening quarter. If that's a sign of things to come expect Jack Grimes, Cale Morton and the other young midfielders at Melbourne to be very happy with a healthy supply of ball in the coming years.

Thanks melbfan and welcome. Do I take it that you have a close affinity with Jake.

Thanks melbfan and welcome. Do I take it that you have a close affinity with Jake.

I know him, so yeah I guess so.. I'm probably a bit bias then

Look forward to seeing him improve.

Will Wheel's get a review?