Our ruck conundrum

[GVGjr]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Forgetting should have, could have, who is your suggestion with the current list?

The problem is the fact that it was being called out as a significant gap during trade periods over the last couple of years and not being addressed. The cupboard is bare but it's by design.

It concerns me when I hear Bevo saying we would normally have more KP players to pinch hit in the ruck when Tim needs a spell and he mentions Jumarra's not really ready. While I'm glad he acknowledges that but it came across like it could be an option.

He did acknowledge Martin was OK yesterday and might put his hand up this week.

[Bornadog]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

I think the second ruck has to be Schache, just because our second ruck is only needed to ruck for maybe 10% of the game and at least he has versatility to do something else for the other 90%. None of the other options on our list (who are fit!) can do that.

I tend to agree. I have been calling for sometime now that he should be practising his ruck craft. One of his best games v the Hawks a few years ago, he played second ruck and whilst in that role he kicked 3 goals.

However, does he play forward or back for the rest of the game? I would say back, but we need to configure the backline.

[GVGjr]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

I think the second ruck has to be Schache, just because our second ruck is only needed to ruck for maybe 10% of the game and at least he has versatility to do something else for the other 90%. None of the other options on our list (who are fit!) can do that.

He's a viable but not a compelling option in that role. Bevo talked about not having options and at least Schache gives him that.

[Grantysghost]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

The problem is the fact that it was being called out as a significant gap during trade periods over the last couple of years and not being addressed. The cupboard is bare but it's by design.

It concerns me when I hear Bevo saying we would normally have more KP players to pinch hit in the ruck when Tim needs a spell and he mentions Jumarra's not really ready. While I'm glad he acknowledges that but it came across like it could be an option.

He did acknowledge Martin was OK yesterday and might put his hand up this week.

I guess there’s no secret his style is versatility first and players learning all the facets of the game so they can be plugged in anywhere. Couple that with his recent propensity to use the term “turnover game” more often than Prince Andrew phones his lawyer then we can see pretty clearly his direction for the side.

He will never use two rucks, he loves flankers, and team defence is the defence. Real shame we couldn’t hang onto Marcus Adams.

[SquirrelGrip]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

I tend to agree. I have been calling for sometime now that he should be practising his ruck craft. One of his best games v the Hawks a few years ago, he played second ruck and whilst in that role he kicked 3 goals.

However, does he play forward or back for the rest of the game? I would say back, but we need to configure the backline.

I think his role changes game by game for his 90%. It might be all of back, forward and wing. A true utility, not great in any one of those positions but at least helps with team balance.

[Hotdog60]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

It may be way out in left field but could we use Buku as relief ruck I noticed in the VFL he played half a game forward and although didn't do anything like our seniors the delivery into the forward half wasn't that good so do you think they may be looking at this as an option?

[GVGjr]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

It may be way out in left field but could we use Buku as relief ruck I noticed in the VFL he played half a game forward and although didn't do anything like our seniors the delivery into the forward half wasn't that good so do you think they may be looking at this as an option?

Buku was in the ruck a bit yesterday but he's not a 2nd ruckman.

[Bornadog]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Buku was in the ruck a bit yesterday but he's not a 2nd ruckman.

He won his tap outs. Great leap.

[Hotdog60]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Buku was in the ruck a bit yesterday but he's not a 2nd ruckman.

Would he be better than using the Bont, Dunkley and Hannan?

Or another option to use Gardner as a forward ruck relief and send Schache back. We don't have a lot of options up our sleeve.

[GVGjr]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Would he be better than using the Bont, Dunkley and Hannan?

Or another option to use Gardner as a forward ruck relief and send Schache back. We don't have a lot of options up our sleeve.

Schache makes the most sense because he can play in a few roles.
I think we need to accept that he is laconic and will frustrate us from time to time.

Gards needs to stay in the back line in my opinion.

[josie]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Noticed Buku was tried forward a bit yesterday. He and Schache have reasonable disposal from backline. Wouldn’t mind both being selected. Buku can mark pretty well and deserves a promotion. We are way too short and our ability to mark down the line relies too much on English and Naughton. I’d rather see either or both ruck instead of Bont.

[Danjul]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

Schache makes the most sense because he can play in a few roles.
I think we need to accept that he is laconic and will frustrate us from time to time.

Gards needs to stay in the back line in my opinion.

If Schache plays 20 games a season and has 5 really really really bad ones what does it mean? The current team is improved through some good games and improved team structure. But if he is only coming in for his usual short stint in a new role so he can fail then don’t bother.

[Bornadog]

Re: Our ruck conundrum

If Schache plays 20 games a season and has 5 really really really bad ones what does it mean? The current team is improved through some good games and improved team structure. But if he is only coming in for his usual short stint in a new role so he can fail then don’t bother.

He is being trialled as a backman in the VFL. He once said he has never played back, so he needs to learn. If he can hone his skills, and play well, he is just what we need in the backline at almost 200cm. Yesterday, I noticed he went for the spoil more, rather than trying to out mark his opponents, which is just what you need.