The Second ruck Dilema

[jeemak]

I don't see the issue BAD... We're the highest scoring team in the competition so hard to argue the forward mix isn't working. Darcy has been close to the best player in the league this year when on the park, and playing the second ruck role (which as a role is more casual than part time these days).

From an injury perspective he looks more vulnerable to me in those big marking contests up forward than having a wrestle in the ruck.

You want your best players around the ball and there's no doubt that by getting Sam into the ruck for a few minutes here and there we're getting consistent influence from him.

Without having fully read a lot of the more recent comments I'd be doing everything I could to be getting Darcy further up the ground as second ruck and behind the ball to limit his bench minutes.

Per my thread on how we can change things up was the possibility of English going forward with Bont when Naughton is having a rest and Darcy playing as an interceptor rucking behind half forward.

Genuinely in the camp of giving Darcy as many ruck minutes as we can, getting him used to it and attacking the next few years with him hardened especially if Lobb has to stay back.

[GVGjr]

What is the situation with Smith?

Is he likely to be a ruckman or can he play a different position, such as fullback against big full forwards who stand their ground and mark in the goal square?

He's a long way off being an option to play at the next level
Rucks are going to take a bit longer to develop but there are a few concerns from my perspective. Smith takes very few marks in a game let alone contested marks and he needs to get a lot better at it. He also doesn't exhibit the sort of athleticism he's probably going to need.
He's got another 12 months to impress and show show improvement.

[GVGjr]

He is 19 years old - and still learning his trade.

Are you seeing many positives in his development?

[Bornadog]

Are you seeing many positives in his development?

I have seen some positives. His ruck work is pretty good but needs to do more around the ground. 41 Hitouts in his last game, but only 14 disposals and no marks.

He needs more time to develop, and we will see how he goes.