So with the assumption that Pedersen will be our number one ruck this weekend, what do Demonlanders think would be a pass mark for our latest stoppage fodder?

Personally, if he can split the hit-outs 30/70, take at least half-a-dozen marks and stop their ruckman scoring any goals, I'd say he's done enough.

 

He's going to need to compete when the ball hits the deck. Im not sure how you judge this in a ruckman but Im hoping he can nullify clear hit outs most of the time,  and  then bring pressure into the stoppages win or lose in the ruck. 

Not to break down with injury midway through the second quarter.

14 goals from the ruck. 3 resting forward. 2 from the bench.

1 minute ago, Deestroy All said:

14 goals from the ruck. 3 resting forward. 2 from the bench.

You're a harsh marker DA. 

What Watts has been able to bring to his rucking time is pressure when it hits the ground and good ball use. He may not win the tap but it's his follow up work that has been good. I expect Pederson to be able to win more hitouts and bring more directly to ground, backing our inside mids to be able to get their hands on it. I also expect him to be able to compete hard when it hits the ground. 

Around the grounds if he can provide a solid mark option than that will also mean for me he has done what is expected of him, kicking a snag or two would be quite nice as well. 

[EDIT] And please for the love of god don't get injured!

Screw stats, just provide a strong contest in the ruck and hit Bellchambers. When the ball hits the deck block for clarry and Viney  

drift back and get in danihers path to grab a mark or two. 

Switch with watts and bring the ball to ground for jeffy and jk

At the moment, just finishing the game uninjured is a pass

27 minutes ago, Moonshadow said:

At the moment, just finishing the game uninjured is a pass

Cheers Moonshadow. My very first thought when Max went down was, oh god, Spencer is a guaranteed certainty to follow. It hadn't even crossed my mind until now that we'll be replacing our back-up with yet another injury-prone big man.

Challenge for position at ball-ups/ins around the ground for 80% of the match leaving Watts to go forward.  10 hit-outs will do.

Ragdoll the Essendon player to whom Bellchambers hits the ball at the centre-bounce.

Make Bellchambers chase him by going forward.

14 disposals, 10 hit-outs, 6 tackles, 4 clearance, 3 shots on goal, 4 punch-aways in the Don's goal-square, 3 contested marks, 5 uncontested marks, 1.3 oranges at 3/4 time and wing 3 Essendon player's cars leaving the carpark.

1 hour ago, steve_f said:

Challenge for position at ball-ups/ins around the ground for 80% of the match leaving Watts to go forward.  10 hit-outs will do.

Ragdoll the Essendon player to whom Bellchambers hits the ball at the centre-bounce.

Make Bellchambers chase him by going forward.

14 disposals, 10 hit-outs, 6 tackles, 4 clearance, 3 shots on goal, 4 punch-aways in the Don's goal-square, 3 contested marks, 5 uncontested marks, 1.3 oranges at 3/4 time and wing 3 Essendon player's cars leaving the carpark.

I'd obviously like us to ruck Pedersen for the majority of the game, but I'd also like us to throw a few curveballs in there. What that looks like, I don't know, but not necessarily always nominating for the ruck is one. The idea that Lewis takes a few stoppage ball ups and centre bounces could be interesting. Melksham as well. I want to see a bit of innovation this week. Goody has flagged innovation, so I want to see it.

There isn't one.He's the next skittle standing.

How much longer will 4 last playing that position before someone takes him out ?

Then what ? Everyone will say we've lost a forward !

Jake stepped into the breach and got cruelly taken out now it's Cam's turn.

Good luck Cam,God Speed and May the Force be with You !

Bellchambers is rubbish and is playing his first game in years, so he at least has a chance.

Playing our 3rd win at Etihad in 3 years will be a pass mark!

1 hour ago, Forest Demon said:

Bellchambers is rubbish and is playing his first game in years, so he at least has a chance.

So he'll probably have a blinder..

10 hours ago, Demon Jack said:

Not to break down with injury midway through the second quarter.

Exactly the thought I had. Not even kidding - I'll settle for pretty much anything that doesn't involve Watts having to ruck half the game yet again.

Provide a contest, allow us to keep our forward structure, try to help the mids by getting your own ball occasionally (as Watts does), and most importantly not get immediately injured upon stepping foot on the field. 

Not to try to chase down oppo midfielders at stoppages.

Smart intensity not stupid intensity.

survive, kicking a couple and saving a couple at each end would do it.

11 hours ago, Moonshadow said:

At the moment, just finishing the game uninjured is a pass

Protecting Watts would be a bonus.

Take big 15 pack marks and slot 5 straight.

Spelling his name correctly.

On the bench as back-up we could have john Clennet, John Gallus, Ted Lees, Graham Wise, Gary Baker, Strawbs and Maxy Walker if things get rough.

Plow into Belly at first bounce. ( Suitably disguised ) Stand on/over ( not fussed ) and whisper an encouragement to stay there

Other than that. Stay upright, compete give a hand up front.

A golden opportunity.

I'm not convinced Pedersen will do any of the ruckwork. I can see Oscar Mac coming into the team to release Frost for this role, with Watts continuing to provide the relief. This is my preferred structure as it keeps a big bodied forward on the ground the whole time.

Perhaps we'll know when the final team is announced. In short, if O-Mac's in the final team, I think Frost is rucking; if Weideman is in the final squad, I expect Pedersen will be rucking. 

In answer to the opening question, if Pedersen plays permanent forward, contested marks, marks inside 50 and providing opportunities for the smaller players to kick goals is what I'll be looking for. He will need to be our pseudo-Hogan.