Ruck Problems

[OldE]

If Jolly is out, in addition to Ball and Doyle, we're clearly going to have some problems with the ruck. (that's a bit of an obvious one)

Do you think that one of our younger ruckmen will get a go? It was suggested somewhere the Shaw might get a game- why not Erickson? Is he injured? Who's playing better in the reserves? Is it worth promoting Shaw to cover what should hopefully be just a week or two of ruck injuries at the expense of a much-needed KPP? And would Shaw really have any chance at AFL level? Last I heard, he was doing better than expected, but was still a long, long, long way from being AFL ready.

I was just wondering...

[liz]

I'd pick Shaw over Erikson at the moment if you're looking for someone to make a contest at the centre. Erikson is improving but wouldn't have a clue against the Whites or Coxes of this world yet. Erikson probably has more rounded skills around the ground, but not in the ruck contest against men.

Campbell may be the other option.

[OldE]

Thanks

Edit: just realised this is my 200th post. What a dreadful day for a milestone post :P

[ScottH]

Originally posted by liz
I'd pick Shaw over Erikson at the moment if you're looking for someone to make a contest at the centre. Erikson is improving but wouldn't have a clue against the Whites or Coxes of this world yet. Erikson probably has more rounded skills around the ground, but not in the ruck contest against men.

Campbell may be the other option.

Hopefully they could at least make a contest, unlike the clown Meiklejohn. against Port last yr.

Originally posted by eirinn
Thanks

Edit: just realised this is my 200th post. What a dreadful day for a milestone post :P

Worse day for a 200th game!!

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Re: Ruck Problems

Originally posted by eirinn
Is it worth promoting Shaw to cover what should hopefully be just a week or two of ruck injuries at the expense of a much-needed KPP? And would Shaw really have any chance at AFL level? Last I heard, he was doing better than expected, but was still a long, long, long way from being AFL ready.

I was just wondering...

Earl was made the "nominated Rookie" two weeks ago, and frankly having watched him play a few times I think he can play at AFL level (not for a whole game alone, nor for weeks on end) but he has impressed me mightiliy. Great tapwork.

[Mike_B]

Re: Re: Ruck Problems

Originally posted by Ruckman
Great tapwork.

Not to take anything away from Earl, but great tapwork means nothing in our team because our ground level players rarely end up with a clearance from a tap to advantage. Most often it seems to up end in another ball-up situation (repeat ad infinitum) until a free kick is picked out.

[Ajn]

If Ball is out expect LRT to come in as the back up, our other ruck option are not experienced enough. Not my personal choice, but jsut wait and see...

[cruiser]

Roos may have no choice but to play Goodes in ruck, despite what he has said in the past.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Re: Re: Re: Ruck Problems

Originally posted by Mike_B
Not to take anything away from Earl, but great tapwork means nothing in our team because our ground level players rarely end up with a clearance from a tap to advantage. Most often it seems to up end in another ball-up situation (repeat ad infinitum) until a free kick is picked out.

You aren't understanding what I'm trying to say.

What I mean by "great tapwork" is not that he wins the tap (a won tap can often be a meaningless statictic) but that when he wins the tap - the ball is most often placed into the hands of his midfielders (even those in motion).

[Mike_B]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Ruck Problems

Originally posted by Ruckman
You aren't understanding what I'm trying to say.

What I mean by "great tapwork" is not that he wins the tap (a won tap can often be a meaningless statictic) but that when he wins the tap - the ball is most often placed into the hands of his midfielders (even those in motion).

Apologies.

Will be a challenge to see if he can maintain that at the top level if he gets the chance - fingers crossed he can.

[gossipcom]

Originally posted by cruiser
Roos may have no choice but to play Goodes in ruck, despite what he has said in the past.

It makes perfect sense why he was contesting some of them yesterday.

Heck why don't they just throw BBH in there, I'm sure he can do a better job then the rest of them

[Ruck'n'Roll]

The other embarressing thing I saw this week was watching the uncertainty of the swans midfielders as to which of them was supposed to be in the square at the bounce, we never contested a bounce with 3 men but it came very close at least twice.

Is Ross Lyon, Thomas Dolby in disguise?

[ScottH]

Back to the ruck?

[Ruck'n'Roll]

It's weired, Roos promoted Earl Shaw to the nominated Rookie spot then he sits there deciding whether to use LRT or Goodes as the 2nd ruckman.

So why nominate Earl Shaw??????

[dendol]

Maybe he's waiting to see if Jolly or LRT can get up for the game. We've already got plenty of changes to last weeks side; a rookie ruckman is the last thing we need, especially without backup (if you dont count Goodes).