Jake Spencer re-signs for 2 years

[beelzebub 22,529]

An A grade ruck is always going to be a good thing to have, especially if they can influence play away from ball ups and throw ins, but I'd rather an OK ruck division and great on ballers than the other way around. I think that the real point of ruckmen is to stop the opposition talls from dominating. If you can break even there then money and picks are probably better spent on guys that get the ball 30 odd times a game.

Whilst I dont argue that an A grader is dead handy...they are bloody rare though. if you develop one. all well and good ( ne brilliant ) but chances are a formidable 'clearance crew" is a buildable thing , in lieu.. Some good teams over the years have won cups with a 'good' ( not A ruck ) but a hard at it clearing group of mids. Id really like to see us go this route. Thats not to say you dont try to create a good bean stalker, just dont rely on it.

[Thehardtackler 785]

Jake Spencer has determination and mongrel. You need to be very physical to be a good ruck man. It takes about 7 years to develop into a proper AFL ruck man. He should show his worth in the next two years.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Thehardtackler

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Jake gives it his all and has improved over the last few years; he's still pretty raw and does some incredibly silly things at times, but they'll get fewer as he gets mor confidence and games under his belt.

He will be ok and the club must love him because they've shown great faith in him over the last 5 or so years.

[Macca 16,174]

Most clubs have room on their list for 4 or 5 ruckmen so the Spencer re-signing should come as no surprise. Jake has a couple more years of development in him and he's at least a reasonable back-up who should get better.

With regards to our other rucks, it's great to see Jamar firing again and he's another player who is responding well to the coaching of Roos. Fitzy apparently got 48 hit outs against Hudson today (for Casey) so maybe he's another who could be responding in a positive way. Gawn needs more time and King is quite young and has loads of time. However, we may need to draft or trade for another ruckman at seasons end (Jamar can't go on for too many more years)

I'm not sure we should be ruling a line through too many players yet (considering how many players have improved this season) The list has only been coached by Roos for half a season - more improvement is sure to happen.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Macca

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,654]

Yes Fitzy got 50 odd hit outs and did quite well,but there were about 3,672 stoppages at Casey

[Adzman 2,085]

I think Spencer's signing might shed some light on some potential truths. They might include:

1. Jamar might not go around after his contract expires, which is why Spencer will most certainly be required (Helps Gawn out, ahead of Fitzy at this point in time)

2. King might not cut it, and for depth's sake the team needs someone to come in and get the job done. (Jake can do that)

3. Roos and Co rate him, and believe there is room to grow.(Even the haters have to admit his form is getting better each year)

4. The Dees might be looking to up their ruck stocks again this upcoming draft, and require Gawn, Spencer, Fitzy and perhaps King to look after the role post Jamar while we groom a player likely to be picked up in this year's National Draft.

5. List management would prefer to trade for other positions at seasons end, believing that there are bigger issues to address on this list outside of our current ruck stocks.

I think Spencer has done enough to get another contract. He will be used as a backup, which will be handy if Russian of Gawn go down.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Spencer is not behind Gawn, because Gawn doesn't have the engine for a full game in the ruck.

I'd still have Gawn ahead of Spencer, easily.

[Moonshadow 16,468]

Interesting side note that Stef Martin had a good game against the doggies yesterday. From The Age review of the game:

"And a surprise packet was Stefan Martin in the ruck, who went hit-out for hit-out with All-Australian Will Minson, and managed to get the better of his more feted opponent around the ground as well."

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Interesting side note that Stef Martin had a good game against the doggies yesterday. From The Age review of the game:

"And a surprise packet was Stefan Martin in the ruck, who went hit-out for hit-out with All-Australian Will Minson, and managed to get the better of his more feted opponent around the ground as well."

The problem for Stef was backing it up week after week, he is capable of playing good football but not all the time.

Good on him, I thought he had a bit of a future, but he did need the number one position and his best year with us was when he had it and the Russian was injured.

[dazzledavey36 49,555]

The problem for Stef was backing it up week after week, he is capable of playing good football but not all the time.

Good on him, I thought he had a bit of a future, but he did need the number one position and his best year with us was when he had it and the Russian was injured.

The thing was when Russian was out he was backing it up each week.

[jumbo returns 6,593]

The problem for Stef was backing it up week after week, he is capable of playing good football but not all the time.

Good on him, I thought he had a bit of a future, but he did need the number one position and his best year with us was when he had it and the Russian was injured.

Another spud that's gone....good!

[Nasher 33,187]

We took Matt Jones and Dean Terlich with the picks we got for Martin. That said, we'd probably have landed both of them regardless of where our higher picks were as I doubt they were in hot demand, so it amounted to being a freebie to Brisbane.

[InVINCEable 358]

If he can learn to kick i'll be happy, good ruckman though

We took Matt Jones and Dean Terlich with the picks we got for Martin. That said, we'd probably have landed both of them regardless of where our higher picks were as I doubt they were in hot demand, so it amounted to being a freebie to Brisbane.

It's not a freebie unless he cost them nothing.

[dee-luded 2,958]

Interesting side note that Stef Martin had a good game against the doggies yesterday. From The Age review of the game:

"And a surprise packet was Stefan Martin in the ruck, who went hit-out for hit-out with All-Australian Will Minson, and managed to get the better of his more feted opponent around the ground as well."

The Lions have traditionally had a harder physical culture up there, than we've had through the years. His work in they're reserves would no doubt harden him up.

He's had the potential all along.. but maybe not the mental framework. He's now 27, going 28.

Edited June 8, 2014 by dee-luded

[Lampers 563]

they have traditionally had a harder physical culture up there, then we've had through the years. his work in thier reserves would no doubt harden him up. he had the potential all along.. but maybe not the mental framework.

My understanding is Martin was the antithesis of what Neeld wanted in a footballer. Martin didn't respond to sprays, needed hugs and encouragement to perform, and consequently was written off by Neeld.

I think he would be getting games under Roos if he was still at the Demons because he can definitely play, potentially Pedersen's spot.

[beelzebub 22,529]

As far as rucks go , I have a simple mould in mind.Well, sort of.

I only require the ruck to contest to not allow the opposition to hold sway. He DOESNT have to actually win the contest just negate it and allow our crumbers a ball to contest and clear. Id much prefer he then had the "follower' game traits of say White and Stynes. Who could mark and kick to effect. They then ADD to the ability of the team as a whole and aid play. A lumbering one trick pony type ruck is for mine a useless player.

[dee-luded 2,958]

My understanding is Martin was the antithesis of what Neeld wanted in a footballer. Martin didn't respond to sprays, needed hugs and encouragement to perform, and consequently was written off by Neeld.

I think he would be getting games under Roos if he was still at the Demons because he can definitely play, potentially Pedersen's spot.

don't think I'm all for sprays, all the time Lampers, I'm not. I was one who wanted Martin kept on the List, when he won his last contract with us. But I ended up disappointed with his falling away again, during the last contract period.

I have always admired Martin's speed, leap & agility for football. great hands etc.

But in the end, I gave up on him as well. He was worth the last contract to give him a chance. Martin's a bit like Pederson, in that the way he's gone about things, but this year Pedro has taken the bit in his teeth & gone wild with it.

I had hoped for Martin to do likewise, as Pederson, & I knew our Club Culture was craap, but I didn't realise just How Deep the craap culture really was.

Neeld cracked open the centre of the craarp culture, cutting away some dead wood, & some others also infected by it. Then got chopped himself. Fair enough, as he made enemies in the way he went about it.

... But Neelds bush surgery has saved our life, removed the gangrenous bits, & even some suspect good parts that were not really salvageable, keeping the Health of the Patient, as the Main objective.

Once Air Lifted to the Big AFL Hospital of the competition. The really Skilled surgery started taking place, the AFL Registrar took a look at the Old Patient, & called his best men in, to tend to this Old AFL Digger.

The Professor has had a look, & sent for his best Head Surgeon; & his Techs, to work they're collective Magic on this Gravely ill Old Digger.

And aren't they doing a Bang Up Job, so far.

Edited June 8, 2014 by dee-luded

[dee-luded 2,958]

As far as rucks go , I have a simple mould in mind.Well, sort of.

I only require the ruck to contest to not allow the opposition to hold sway. He DOESNT have to actually win the contest just negate it and allow our crumbers a ball to contest and clear. Id much prefer he then had the "follower' game traits of say White and Stynes. Who could mark and kick to effect. They then ADD to the ability of the team as a whole and aid play. A lumbering one trick pony type ruck is for mine a useless player.

you want jeff white back again?

I want Mr Clark Keating @ this club... bang, bang, thanks very much, another Flag... beauty.

[beelzebub 22,529]

you want jeff white back again?

I want Mr Clark Keating @ this club... bang, bang, thanks very much, another Flag... beauty.

Jeff got crueled by injury and a huge 180 in the rules, but he could read the play well and understood where to be. That gawn or Spencil could to his ( JW) ability I wish.

Clark Keating ..or even Clark Kent...yeah why not but thats not my point of comparison or minimum requirement.

Many teams win games, without winning the ruck stat.

[old dee 23,109]

Jeff got crueled by injury and a huge 180 in the rules, but he could read the play well and understood where to be. That gawn or Spencil could to his ( JW) ability I wish.

Clark Keating ..or even Clark Kent...yeah why not but thats not my point of comparison or minimum requirement.

Many teams win games, without winning the ruck stat.

Hawthorn have made an art form out of it bb

[Harry Plopper 105]

His tackle on Yarren sealed the deal for a contract I reckon!

[dee-luded 2,958]

Jeff got crueled by injury and a huge 180 in the rules, but he could read the play well and understood where to be. That gawn or Spencil could to his ( JW) ability I wish.

Clark Keating ..or even Clark Kent...yeah why not but thats not my point of comparison or minimum requirement.

Many teams win games, without winning the ruck stat.

White was only any good in his 3 seasons or so. Back when he was taking marks. Not the most physical player for a big man. more like a midfielder ruck rover. But we lacked hurt factor in the packs. Once white wasn't as effective in the air, he was gone, IMO.

Keating was a monster in the big games, and enabled the Lions to win 3, back to back. Extremely underrated & effective big match player.

[Mickey 4,238]

Out for the season, according to Misson