Agree with WOB we don’t need a ruckman. Even if Bellchambers and Clarke go down there is no way we would be playing them ahead of McKernan, Stewart or Daniher. Our team would lose more by playing a substandard ruckman then by playing a forward out of position.
With one disclaimer - unless it’s Nathan Lovett-Murray we draft.
I couldn’t disagree more. Don’t you remember what happened in 2015 when McKernan was outsized? It would be far worse if Joe or Smack had to go into the ruck for long stints
My point is we aren’t going to find any ruckman who does anything near AFL standard. Coach to opposition ruckman if the doomsday scenario occurs - don’t try filling a spot with someone who can’t dill the gap.
I think you’ll find a low quality ruckman will be far more effective than a low quality mid (who will never get an AFL game). At least with a big ruck you can batter the opposition ruck and still be some what useful to the team.
A state league 205cm brute is going to provide far more than Stewart or Smack in at the very least nullifying the bigger rucks of the league.
If he’s actually any good (and BOG on weekend so aceman says) then it’s not inconceivable he would challenge Clarke for main ruck if Belly went down.
No way do we risk JD playing full time ruck nor would we want to take him away from the fwd line.
We also need someone competent in the VFL for the benefit of that team playing well, progressing to finals as its important for development of our young talent/depth.
Does anyone know what the rules regarding contracts for these draftees are? do they receive a 6 month contract or do they need to be picked up for longer?
And Belly and Clarke only have a few years left probably. We are always going to need more than one genuine ruck on the list when they done, not just Draper. Why not get one in and train them up accordingly & if good enough retain so he will be ready.
EFC should be targetting the best 19 year old playing in the TAC or in the State League - There are always a few 19 year olds drafted, so in effect you are getting them six months earlier - I expect a few clubs to take this approach.