Should Hampson/Cloke be our ruck combiantion for the rest of the year?

[jonoman89]

I thought Hammer did well yesterday against one the preimier ruckmen in the comp. 14 hitouts is good for such a young bloke. Cloke averages around 20 or so, and with hammer pitching in around 15, i think it would help us a lot around the clearances. Kruezer, while awesome around the ground, is not entirely ready to take on a full rucking position.

I reckon keeping Kruezer in the Forward/Half-Forward line for 90% of his TOG, with the other 10% rucking would be better for his development and the team. Cloke/Hammo should get the main gig in my opinion.

[celtic_pride]

Yeah that makes sense, but I do want Kruezer to still ruck from time to time to continue his 'footy education' ...

Cloke though is a very very good backup and pretty much underrated ..

No more Hackland though he tries hard, but simply is not up to AFL standard.

[stevedarui]

I thought Hammer did well yesterday against one the preimier ruckmen in the comp. 14 hitouts is good for such a young bloke. Cloke averages around 20 or so, and with hammer pitching in around 15, i think it would help us a lot around the clearances. Kruezer, while awesome around the ground, is not entirely ready to take on a full rucking position.

I reckon keeping Kruezer in the Forward/Half-Forward line for 90% of his TOG, with the other 10% rucking would be better for his development and the team. Cloke/Hammo should get the main gig in my opinion.

Well said

[Jeremias]

Absolutely.

Cloke is our number 1 ruckman, and he's quite underrated. Not great in the centre, but servicable. He's also fantastic around the ground, never stops running and presenting an option.

Hampson is only a young kid but yesterday showed some more extremely promising signs which suggest that he's got a pretty big future. He's still learning the game, so every game we get into him, the better.

Kreuz has been excellent but is obviously beaten a fair bit in the ruck, and that is to be expected for an 18 year old in his first season of AFL. Hasn't been playing badly, so won't be dropped - he should play up forward to give us another tall to aim for when moving inside 50. A stint in the ruck here and there wouldn't do him any harm, either.

[jonoman89]

Kruezer would also benifit injury wise with longer stints in the forward line.

He is a very valuble forward - pack marks well because of his hight, and lets not forget his insane cruming ability (essendon game anyone?!)

Hammer isn't good enough around the ground yet though IMO - hopefully that picks up.

[marcmurphy3]

I thought Hammer did well yesterday against one the preimier ruckmen in the comp. 14 hitouts is good for such a young bloke. Cloke averages around 20 or so


20 or so???

he averages 10 per game. Very good around the ground but winning the taps are his weakness. Wins far less taps than Hammer would if he had the same amount of ruck time.

However he always makes a contest which negates the ability of the opposing ruck to tap to advantage.

[Mike_blues]

well said
i totally agree and makes heaps of sense

[chelsworthgale]

i think that is the plan but you need to consider their fitness this year... Hammo with knee, kruezer with a hip and cloke with a wrist injuries have cursed our chance to have this.

Against Geelong it could all come together! :thumbsu: