Naismith and Biggs Upgraded

[Zlatorog]

According to the club's twitter ruckman Tom Derickx has been placed on the long-term injury list; Sam Naismith and Shane Biggs have been upgraded.

[aardvark]

Congrats to both boys, very worthy upgrades.

[DamY]

I wonder if Shiggs is an insurance for a rebounding defender going down? He was good in the finals last year. And both our spare rucks are down as well? Eeeekkk

[Ampersand]

Naismith and Nankervis are both available. As is LRT in a pinch. Not ideal but I think Naismith was upgraded for this reason.

I wonder how many rookie ruckmen have played their first game in a Grand Final (knock on wood).

[707]

Nanervis is out with a multiple fracture of the finger - 6 weeks?

So Naismith is now our only true ruck back up if Pyke gets injured. Everyone cross their fingers!

[Reggi]

Interesting that you would expect Biggsvto get a game

[Mel_C]

Can we please wrap Pyke in cotton wool!

Congrats to both Biggs and Naismith for being upgraded.

[RogueSwan]

Interesting that you would expect Biggsvto get a game

Maybe they aren't confident about Shaw being fit for the rest of the year?

[Steve]

I think there is a deadline to upgrade rookies (by putting guys on the LT injury list) - makes sense it would be now being 8 weeks before the end of the season.

So this would still probably just be us having these guys active just in case.

Derickx is a shame as it is a big ask for Pyke to go through what will have to be 10+ weeks as the lone ruckman. He also has the tendency to be badly beaten at times (eg. second half vs Hawthorn) so it's disappointing not to even have the option now of adding Derickx when needed.

[Reggi]

I think Biggs form has been to good to ignore. I expect in the last 3 weeks someone will be rested and he will get a game

[Ampersand]

I think they've upgraded based on where we are most vulnerable depth-wise (in defence and ruck stocks). I don't expect Biggs will get a game unless a) someone gets injured or b) we're guaranteed a top 2 finish before the final round.

[bloodbloods]

Biggs, final's specialist ..... this was the plan from the beginning of the year

[DisgruntledGoat]

Everyone cross their fingers!

Except you, Nanko.

[Conor_Dillon]

I think we're a pretty decent chance to see Naismith play against the Saints, the coaching staff will want Pyke to have a rest pre-finals and the Saints ruckmen are similarly built to big Sammy...unlike Minson from the Dogs or Maric from the Tigers, both of those guys will monster him.

[liz]

Except you, Nanko.

LOL