The Second Ruck

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April 20, 201411 yr

I see our ruck situation as one of the more pressing issues we need to look at (not that it's the only one though).

Pedersen needs to play defence, he's so much better down there. But we appear to feel hamstrung in that regard as we need him as the second ruck, which means we have to play him forward.

What can we do to fix this? Can we carry two of Spencer, Jamar and Gawn in the side? Is this where we need Fitzpatrick to develop?

IMO, we cannot risk Hogan in the ruck, ever, and Dawes showed at Collingwood that he's no good as a ruckman. I don't think we can go long term with two of Spencer, Gawn and Jamar in the side, but we may have to, as I also don't think we can go with Pedersen as a forward-second ruck.

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April 20, 201411 yr

Pedersen absolutely has to go back - it is where his best AFL form is and he killed it last year down back in the VFL.

Think we just have to suck up either Fitzpatrick being a very average back up ruck or Gawn being a very average forward.

Jamar is gone and not the answer to either.

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April 20, 201411 yr

Carry Gawn if he's in form then we are top heavy but so be it. Although Jamar and Gawn is preferable to Spencer and Gawn. Fitzy if he gets back in form. Pedersen if needs be. We can win games with any of the above combinations.

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April 20, 201411 yr

Author

Pedersen absolutely has to go back - it is where his best AFL form is and he killed it last year down back in the VFL.

Think we just have to suck up either Fitzpatrick being a very average back up ruck or Gawn being a very average forward.

Jamar is gone and not the answer to either.

I think I feel the same - we either have to commit to Fitzpatrick or Gawn and play one of them. I think that's a better outcome for the team than Pedersen (I mean, I'd rather see if Fitzpatrick can make something as a forward than play Pedersen there, who we already know is not good enough).

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April 20, 201411 yr

I see our ruck situation as one of the more pressing issues we need to look at (not that it's the only one though).

Pedersen needs to play defence, he's so much better down there. But we appear to feel hamstrung in that regard as we need him as the second ruck, which means we have to play him forward.

What can we do to fix this? Can we carry two of Spencer, Jamar and Gawn in the side? Is this where we need Fitzpatrick to develop?

IMO, we cannot risk Hogan in the ruck, ever, and Dawes showed at Collingwood that he's no good as a ruckman. I don't think we can go long term with two of Spencer, Gawn and Jamar in the side, but we may have to, as I also don't think we can go with Pedersen as a forward-second ruck.

This is where the loss of Clark hurts again, he was the logical 2nd ruck and Roos planned to play him there. Fitz is not strong enough in the position and at the moment also not good enough to hold a forward post.

The off season will see us looking for a developed ruckman struggling for a consistent game. Looking West would be my bet.

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April 20, 201411 yr

I think it is a pressing issue that will be shopped for by Roos at seasons end.

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April 20, 201411 yr

Ty Vickery

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April 20, 201411 yr

Author

This is where the loss of Clark hurts again, he was the logical 2nd ruck and Roos planned to play him there. Fitz is not strong enough in the position and at the moment also not good enough to hold a forward post.

The off season will see us looking for a developed ruckman struggling for a consistent game. Looking West would be my bet.

Yep, another in the list of many reasons why Clark was so important to us.

You thinking Sinclair? Lycett?

Ty Vickery

No thanks.

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April 20, 201411 yr

Lycett or Gorringe.

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