Round 2 vs Essendon

[i'm-uninformed2]

Poo.

Every about us that looked good in rd1 - our clearances, ball movement, offense - stems from Naismith’s tap work.

He was ok around the ground too; but his work in the middle was vital.

I thought he was our second most important player after Heeney.

[Markwebbos]

Poo.

Every about us that looked good in rd1 - our clearances, ball movement, offense - stems from Naismith’s tap work.

He was ok around the ground too; but his work in the middle was vital.

I thought he was our second most important player after Heeney.

I hope you are only partly right and some of it was a product of the new coaching setup. I agree Naismith is a very important player for us.

[707]

May as well go and plonk a heap on the Injectors to win!

[Ludwig]

Little darlin', don't shed no tears
No Ruckman, No Cry

[Mark26]

Little darlin', don't shed no tears
No Ruckman, No Cry

Time for the big Cox to make his debut in the red and white.

[MattW]

Poo.

Every about us that looked good in rd1 - our clearances, ball movement, offense - stems from Naismith’s tap work.

He was ok around the ground too; but his work in the middle was vital.

I thought he was our second most important player after Heeney.

Totally agree. Naismith is a very important player.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

In the absence of Sam, our midfield won't be getting much in the way of good service this week. We'll probably just play Sinkers (with Alir giving brief relief) against Bellchambers and McKernon - historically that match up results in them winning the hit outs.

The Bombers list has 5 players over 200cm, the Swans 2 - makes me wonder why some on here say Horse favors ruckmen?

At least the games in Sydney.

[Ludwig]

Contrary to what some may believe, I'm a big fan of Sam Naismith and think we're a better side with him in it. I've stated that many times. My only problem with Sam is that he hardly ever plays. It's tragic, as was the untimely death of his sister.

It's wonderful to have a great ruckman, like Brodie Grundy or Dean Cox, who match their skill with the ability to rock up and play almost every week. But what if you have a Nic Natanui or Matt Kreuzer, or a Leuenberger, where they just miss so many games. Unless you have a top flight backup, there's a lot of adjustment to make by the loss of such important players.

We've already tried going down the road of having quantity in ruckmen, but not necessarily quality. It's hard to get even one elite ruckman on the list, let alone 2 or 3.

I think it's a valid strategy to simply forego a game plan based around having a top flight stoppage ruckman. If you work on an alternative strategy, it can be perfected over time. I've argued this a long time, so I won't repeat the benefits again in this thread. I will just end by saying that basing a game plan on a quality ruckman is leaving a lot to chance. It's great if they play, but it leaves a big hole in the game plan when they don't.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Not sure what you mean about the Swans going after Quantity over Quality ruckman wise - surely you don't mean currently?

But agreed, investing in a single superstar/marquee player is good for marketing but by putting all your eggs in one basket, you increase the liability.

[Ludwig]

Not sure what you mean about the Swans going after Quantity over Quality ruckman wise - surely you don't mean currently?

I was referring to the Galloway-Derickx era. Not the current era.

Tom is only 32 yo, so a comeback is still possible. Gets extra credit for sharing a birthday with Noam Chomsky.

With the outside pace we've recruited in recent drafts, the stoppages are less important. An elite ruckman is always nice to have, but a game style more like Richmond's is more suitable to the skill sets of the transitioning playing list.

[giant]

Contrary to what some may believe, I'm a big fan of Sam Naismith and think we're a better side with him in it. I've stated that many times. My only problem with Sam is that he hardly ever plays. It's tragic, as was the untimely death of his sister.

It's wonderful to have a great ruckman, like Brodie Grundy or Dean Cox, who match their skill with the ability to rock up and play almost every week. But what if you have a Nic Natanui or Matt Kreuzer, or a Leuenberger, where they just miss so many games. Unless you have a top flight backup, there's a lot of adjustment to make by the loss of such important players.

We've already tried going down the road of having quantity in ruckmen, but not necessarily quality. It's hard to get even one elite ruckman on the list, let alone 2 or 3.

I think it's a valid strategy to simply forego a game plan based around having a top flight stoppage ruckman. If you work on an alternative strategy, it can be perfected over time. I've argued this a long time, so I won't repeat the benefits again in this thread. I will just end by saying that basing a game plan on a quality ruckman is leaving a lot to chance. It's great if they play, but it leaves a big hole in the game plan when they don't.

As I've noted before, our Hall of Fame assistant coach was the last AA ruckman to be a premiership player in the same year. In short (or tall), their importance is over-rated.

We'll still miss Sam terribly on Sunday but...

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I was referring to the Galloway-Derickx era. Not the current era.

Ok now I comprehend.

Tom is only 32 yo, so a comeback is still possible. Gets extra credit for sharing a birthday with Noam Chomsky.

And of course both have made their mark linguistically

With the outside pace we've recruited in recent drafts, the stoppages are less important. An elite ruckman is always nice to have, but a game style more like Richmond's is more suitable to the skill sets of the transitioning playing list.

Nomatter how much outside pace, at some point someone has to get the ball at a stoppage - and Richmond have some absolutely cracking hardnut mids. But I agree about elite ruckmen (elite anything really - see above).

Frankly what we need is a group of ruckmen that are collectively resilient, competent (at stoppages) and vigorous. Marking and goalkicking are accessories.
At the moment Sam and Sinkers each tick two of those boxes, Knoll remains an unknown - then the cupboard is BARE. Joel and Hayden just don't look like the kind that could become lead ruck material.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

As I've noted before, our Hall of Fame assistant coach was the last AA ruckman to be a premiership player in the same year. In short (or tall), their importance is over-rated.

How many AA Key forwards play in a premiership in their AA year?

[Ludwig]

Frankly what we need is a group of ruckmen that are collectively resilient, competent (at stoppages) and vigorous. Marking and goalkicking are accessories.
At the moment Sam and Sinkers each tick two of those boxes, Knoll remains an unknown - then the cupboard is BARE. Joel and Hayden just don't look like the kind that could become lead ruck material.

If we just had one ruckman who was resilient and competent, it would be enough, e.g. Sam Naismith. But that doesn't seem to be the case.

I've been hoping that Joel Amartey would continue his progress as a versatile player. Unfortunately, he's run into a bit of an injury snag. I hope it's not a bad sign of things to come. I think Joel and Aliir could make a good undersized ruck combo option. They are outsized, but do compete reasonably well and add a lot around the ground. I still have questions on Joel's competitiveness. Not negative, but just not sure. He can have a lethargic look, but sometimes that can be deceptive. He does compete well in the ruck, marks the ball well, tackles and has a booming kick, almost in the Buddy class, but far less accurate.

[AnnieH]

I just registered for the ballot seats for Sunday.
Cross your fingers and toes for me.