I don’t think anyone thinks otherwise, what’s that got to do with him spending a few more minutes in the ruck this week with no belly (like ants suggested)
NM website says Preuss had 50 hitouts and they write “After being rested last week, Braydon Preuss dominated the ruck battle against his Essendon opponent. He didn’t have a huge impact around the field, with nine disposals, but pulled down a couple of strong marks and would have done his chances of a recall no harm.”
I for one think that Draper carried a big workload, and was competitive, only tapering off late in the quarters.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Draper was both beaten to a pulp and acquitted himself really well compared to expectations. And (probably because of the focus on development) VFL bests always seem to have a strong bent towards players who did what was asked of them rather than just who was the most influential on the game.
bump for those not reading the VFL reports. Draper had a very impressive ruck outing versus Geelong. Hitouts to advantage off-the-chart good.
Has played a bit in defence last couple weeks, done alright there. Hasn’t shown anything as a forward; as a relative newbie to the game, would seem he is better chasing forwards who do know where to go.
For more extensive ravings on the rucking, read from here (after McKernan went off injured):