Should Mummy seriously be considered for full forward?

[Dosser]

I used to be of the opinion that to move Mummy anywhere from the ruck was crazy as it robs us of our main weapon, however after having several rethinks I have a hypothesis that I would like to put to my fellow RWO devotees.

In the good old days of Roos our forward setup was simple - we had a strong leading CHF (Hall) who would mark up the ground then turn and bomb it to one of the best body-to-body FFs in the game (O'Laughlin) who would outmanouvre his opponent to score. However, when MickyO retired we had to replace him with like-for-like, so when Bradshaw became available we licked our lips and went for him. In addition, when Hall left it simply meant that Goodes could slip into the role of lead-up CHF instead.

The problem has occurred since Braddy couldnt play and we needed another big, strong FF who could body-on-body, and that is why White got the job. Unfortunately, it hasnt worked out (so far) so our entire forward structure has suffered.

Now, at the moment we have three ruckmen: Mummy (A grade), Seaby (A-) and Pyke (B with a bullet) but no FF. I believe that if we have Seabs and Pyke carrying the ruck and Mummy at FF, then we have probably the best body-on-body man (who can take a grab) at FF - and he can also tackle and crumb as well! In addition, with Reid at CHF, then Goodes is released through the middle to cover for Jack's absence and break the lines to get it up to FF in the first place.

Am I crazy? Optimistic? Do you think it would ever fly?

[ScottH]

Not this early in his career. Maybe later on.

but nice theory.

[royboy42]

Not crazy, except the best ruck in the comp is moved out of position. One of those theories that look good on paper..Not a coach in AFL would even consider it..Robbing Peter etc....

[aardvark]

Not crazy, except the best ruck in the comp is moved out of position. One of those theories that look good on paper..Not a coach in AFL would even consider it..Robbing Peter etc....

I think Sandilands might still hold that title but Mummy is there abouts. I do like the idea of him spending time at FF. He does bring back memories of the great man.

[GongSwan]

thats a joke right? move our number 1 ruck out of position? Fair enough send him down there for a rest, but play Pyke or Seaby, horses for courses type of thing, when Reid fills out more he might go to the goal square

[Dosser]

thats a joke right? move our number 1 ruck out of position? Fair enough send him down there for a rest, but play Pyke or Seaby, horses for courses type of thing, when Reid fills out more he might go to the goal square

Not a joke - simply food for thought. While it is great to have such a good ruckman, games are still won by kicking goals.

[Bas]

Not a joke - simply food for thought. While it is great to have such a good ruckman, games are still won by kicking goals.

I'd like to see Mummy play the same role that Spider played for St Kilda. Ruck then resting forward. However, he is very mobile around the ground and if it ain't broke don't change it.

[swansrule100]

where mummy wants to play is a factor to consider too, he looks like he loves being in the middle in the thick of it.

[dimelb]

Mummy plus Pyke is not just a formidable ruck combination, they are both dangerous up forward too. But the Mumster is first and foremost a ruckman.

[Big Al]

While he's at the peak of his powers as a Ruckman and with the continued improvement of Pyke i'd do exactly what Bas suggests and rest both Ruckamn in the forward line while the other ones on the ball. Both will need close attention by the opposition defence which will free up the smaller forwards.

[Ratna]

What Big Al said

[R-1]

Mummy's a monster on the ball with his tackling and his marking a kick behind the play. As a pinch-hitting part-time forward, sure that works, but a full-time move wastes some of his key upsides.

[laughingnome]

While he's at the peak of his powers as a Ruckman and with the continued improvement of Pyke i'd do exactly what Bas suggests and rest both Ruckamn in the forward line while the other ones on the ball. Both will need close attention by the opposition defence which will free up the smaller forwards.

Mummy's a monster on the ball with his tackling and his marking a kick behind the play. As a pinch-hitting part-time forward, sure that works, but a full-time move wastes some of his key upsides.

Agree with these. Mummy in the ruck, Pyke resting forward. Switch when Mummy needs a rest.