Keating needs to fire.

[Stocka]

With the likelihood of B.McDonald and J.Charman both being available if not next week, then the week after, the ball is in Keating's court THIS week, if he wants to retain his senior spot.

Apart from his hit-outs (which are still quite good) Keating needs to do more work around the ground, and take a few marks in the forward line (at least one a week), if he is to keep his spot, ahed of McDonald (who seems to be the prefered 'ruck' option), and Charman (whose work-rate has been sensational around the ground).

Richmond aren't particularly strong in the ruck, and with the absence of one or two big men, Keating should be able to capitalise, and have a good game.

If Keating ends up having an average game, I reckon he will face being dropped in favour of Charman the following week. I also feel, that if Keating ends up playing the majority of the remainder of the season in the reserves, that he may face being traded at the end of the season to make way for more room on the salary cap (and also to allow McDonald and Charman and some of our other younger tall players to take over the big-men responsibilities in the team).

[SpecialBruce]

So very true. At the end of last year I wanted Keating traded. IMO regardless of what happens, he should be traded. There is no way Charman will be traded. Keating is not worth as much as what he is getting. He is injury prone and doesn't do enough around the ground as Stocka was saying.

[NathanD]

Charman has been the bolter for the season, HOWEVER, didn't Keating sign a 3-yr deal in 2001?

If so, it might make him an expensive proposition to trade, if his contract is to be paid out.

As the Lions have a policy of keeping QLDers on the list, then McDonald might be the unlucky duck if the rucks are considered to be oversupplied.

That would be a tragedy.

[Roylion]

Originally posted by SpecialBruce
So very true. At the end of last year I wanted Keating traded. IMO regardless of what happens, he should be traded. There is no way Charman will be traded. Keating is not worth as much as what he is getting. He is injury prone and doesn't do enough around the ground as Stocka was saying.

The double teaming aspect of the rucks employed by Matthews has been rather successful and one of the keys to our premiership success. Combined, McDonald and Keating topped the hit outs for any other ruck duo combination for any other side last season. It should be remembered that with a fit Keating in both 1999 and 2001, we finished third and first. As such I would hestitate to trade Keating as three good tall ruckmen on our list are needed in case of injury to one, as with Charman this week. Keating has had an interrupted start to his season and is obviously taking some time to gain match fitness. I would be confident that once that occurs he will improve.

Five ruckmen on our list last year may have been considered excessive. Four (including McLaren) is my view is about right.

Having said that, in terms of trading he is not untouchable.

[keatings_gal]

love all ruckman.... that's my motto....& BG's as well.....

jamie better not go & he better get a whole lot of money to resign i reckon.... considering leppa's getting as much as he is... NOT EVEN WORTH IT.....

i dont want any of them to go...especially jamie or crackers, or dyl or beau or mapo... HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE
Dyl isnt a ruckman anyway..... we drafted him as CHB & he is great back there.... he is the main ruckman on sunday in the ressies though... but that's that ressie diversity again....

i dont want crackers to go he is my hero.. one of the ppl i look up to (HAHAHAH THAT"S A GOOD ONE) he has just been through so much but just kept at it so i hope that he can stay & play out his career here...

I"LL ALWAYS BE KEATINGS GAL!!!!!