If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s not to get excited about anything or anyone.
2 Likes
Here’s something else to throw into your calculations -
‘Ruckmen’ are assessed using ‘ruck’ stats.
It may pay to look into all other stats for those premiership-winning ruckmen.
Edit - or just read what @WindsockBoy said lol
Sheeds tried this with (from memory) Barnes and Alessio, albeit it was more around confusing the opposition ruckman through not knowing who he would be competing against.
1 Like
I’d be interested in you using your criteria on Ryder. I’m guessing he would rate highly.
Interestingly I reckon late career Ryder ranks more highly as a ruck.
His tap work, and the threat he poses drifting forward has always been very good.
But his around the ground marking and particularly his willingness to block, tackle & shepherd is something that wasn’t always there when he rucked for us.
A pity in a way.
Because being good at two criteria in my book makes you a good to very good ruck. Which he was for us.
Being good at three makes you very good to great.
But unfortunately Ryder’s body can’t sustain it, just as the penny has dropped.
A 28 year old Ryder, without the back issues, playing the way he’s done the last couple of years would be a treat to watch against Gawn.
(Who I reckon has similar strengths, just better at marking round the ground but less of a threat forwards)
And while I’m here Nic Nat does two aspects really well, but fails dismally on the marking & forward threat aspects. Good ruck but overrated.
2 Likes
Draper brings attitude,aggression and follows up at centre bounces often tackling and clearing pathways. Centre bounce VIP with 6 6 6 rule He is showing signs of becoming an exceptional match winner in the middle. He will improve on All of Windsocks metrics and (injury free) lead us to many victories in the future
10 year plus window Go Sammy. Sick it to em Mate
2 Likes
Sock it to em mate
That will be worse since Margetts retired.
Found this interesting:
Will be fascinating to watch how this goes. Perhaps we might see sides pick and choose when to play a ruck based on the opposition ruck? eg, when playing a mobile Grundy style vs a Bellchambers style?
During the home and away season, you might change things up on occasion.
But I think when finals come around, Matthew Knights can tell you that you’ll always want a big tall guy in the centre square.
7 Likes