Greatest NM ruckman [Archive]

Shinboners

2 Feb 2001, 09:50

I'm not too sure where Rooboy has gone, so I'll keep up his work and pose the question, "Who is the greatest North Melbourne ruckman?".

We have a few candidates here...Noel Teasdale (who won a Brownlow), Mick Nolan, Gary Dempsey, and (I know this will get a reaction), Corey McKernan to name a few.

Following my usual view of only voting for players that I've seen with my own eyes, it comes down to Dempsey and McKernan. I caught the end of Dempsey's career while I've seen all of McKernan's, and while the work of McKernan in the mid 90s became the prototype of the mobile athletic ruckman (Everitt and White), the memories of Dempsey's domination of the ruck still stays strong in my mind. Dempsey was also a specialist ruckman, and so, my vote goes to Gary Dempsey.

The invisible mullet

2 Feb 2001, 10:50

How could you forget John Mossop, Mark Hepburn, Mark Lisle or Alex Ischenko (the last I had a soft spot for). Have to go with Gary Dempsey.

Shinboners

2 Feb 2001, 10:55

Thanks for that IM....now you've made me remember Tim Bourke http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Yeah, big Alex...I had a soft spot for him too. I loved his, "I'm planning on staying in Brisbane" comment to put other clubs off just before he signed with us?

Should we have included Mark Roberts, John Longmire, and Matthew Capuano into the list of great North ruckmen?????

The invisible mullet

2 Feb 2001, 11:11

Maybe Matthew Capuano almost sneaks in as a dual premiership second ruckman. On the other hand maybe not.

As far as the fridge goes maybe there should be a category for Best utility player. One player who would not rank highly would be Keenan Reynolds.

Originally posted by Shinboners:
Thanks for that IM....now you've made me remember Tim Bourke http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Yeah, big Alex...I had a soft spot for him too. I loved his, "I'm planning on staying in Brisbane" comment to put other clubs off just before he signed with us?

Should we have included Mark Roberts, John Longmire, and Matthew Capuano into the list of great North ruckmen?????

warrior

2 Feb 2001, 11:28

Gary Dempsey also won a Brownlow in 1975 but not for North.

However he picked a good year !!!

He is my nomination.

warrior http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/smile.gif

Bloodstained Angel

2 Feb 2001, 11:31

What are you guys doing about the 1973 recruits ?

Wade and Rantall are also champions of other clubs as well as helping you guys to your first flag.

Do they rate as 'Greatest' for your club too ?

or are you just conveniently overlooking these guys ?

Too Hard Basket maybe ?

Shinboners

2 Feb 2001, 11:44

BSA

Wade was mentioned in the Greatest FF thread and he got two votes in the end (Warrior and CIK).

As for Rantall, we haven't started the thread on back pockets and half back flankers yet, but I'm sure he'll get a mention.

As you can see, Dempsey is as famous for his Footscray days as his North ones, but we're rating his performances in our colours, not his performances for both clubs.

Generally I can't comment on pre-1980s players because I never saw them play on a week to week basis, so I've kept my comments to players that I have seen. Others have seen the 70s team, and those that have, have made their comments too.

Grendel has made a few comments on who he thinks should be in the North's greatest team, and we'd welcome your comments too.

Cheers
SB

[This message has been edited by Shinboners (edited 01 February 2001).]

Back Seat Of A Taxi

2 Feb 2001, 12:00

Mullet

Surely you have forgotten the greatest ruckman we had during that period, Michael Gallagher, he even represented Victoria against Tasmania.

Maybe the number he wore said something about him, No. 31!

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Can You Feel My Love Buzz

kymhodgemansmo

2 Feb 2001, 12:21

Although Dempsey was brilliant, I have to admit that I rate Mark Gallagher as the greatest we have seen in my time.

He brought the number 31 to prominence, and Peter Mann played brilliantly in that position when given the opportunity, along with the likes of Issesshenko as Tommy Hafey would call the boy.

What about the brilliant Tim Bourke, the greatest mobile ruckman ever to not play the game.

Anyone that rates anyone post 77 higher than Dempsey is kidding themselves - seriously.

Back Seat Of A Taxi

2 Feb 2001, 12:38

Another fab ruckman that we have missed is Bill Berry, although he was probably best remembered for keeping The Fish goalless at Arden St in 1984.

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Can You Feel My Love Buzz

Bernie

2 Feb 2001, 13:46

Back to the 70's - how can you forget Crackers Keenan ,the premiership ruckman, and his struggles with Don Scott ? Dempsey played his best footy with the Dogs.

Also saw a lot ( no other option really ) of Mick Nolan - his work with Barry Cable was excellent. He was keen on the smokes however.

Carey_is_King

2 Feb 2001, 14:17

Greatest ruckman ? We have never had one.

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Trample the Weak,
Hurdle the Dead.

Aussie_Roo

2 Feb 2001, 14:20

Guys, the best two ruckmen we have produced were Noel Teasdale won a Brownlow medal and Corey McKernan who unfortuneately just missed out on one. All of our other prominent ruckman mentioned in previous threads all made their name at other clubs. I don't think that they should be considered in our greatest team. My pick would be Teasdale with Corey on the bench.

Darky

2 Feb 2001, 14:56

Teasdale won four best and fairests. Never saw him play, but surely it's gotta be worth something.

35eye

2 Feb 2001, 15:18

Put me down for Corey.

JUBJUB

2 Feb 2001, 15:23

Tim Bourke would be Norths best ruckman, http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"No matter how good you are at something,there's always a million people better than you"

Carey_is_King

2 Feb 2001, 15:24

Originally posted by 35eye:
Put me down for Corey.

So you are agreeing with me ? We never had one!

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Trample the Weak,
Hurdle the Dead.

hotham

2 Feb 2001, 15:38

I do not know about the best, but the ruckman who has the most stories told about him would have to be Mick Nolan the galloping gasometer.

Grendel

2 Feb 2001, 20:13

From what i can remember of him, Nolans been very VERY underestimated by some of his own. The guy might look out of place in todays streamlined competition, but in the seventies his type of build (Round,Whale Roberts,Nicholls) were all very good rucks.

But on the subject of your rucks, again go with the legend, Teasdale. I know sweet FA about the bloke other than he got his Brownlow eventually and he was a multiple B&F winner. Wasnt Micks old man a 200 odd game player for North in the fifties as well? Skinny Martin was also a B&F winner (i think, warrior seems to know his Roo history, can you confirm?) so he sounds like a fair player too. Dempsey, clearly the 2nd best ruckman ive seen (to S.Madden) yet Dons mates have told me that he used to be the only bloke that constantly beat Madden.

For longevitys sake i will go with Teasdale from Dempsey who was like Salmon with the Hawks, great but not around long enough to get into a best ever side.

The invisible mullet

3 Feb 2001, 04:17

Gee we have had our share of pathetic ruckmen (other than Dempsey).

Rooboy 96

3 Feb 2001, 05:58

Originally posted by Darky:
Teasdale won four best and fairests. Never saw him play, but surely it's gotta be worth something.

Is that a yes vote for Teasdale or is it just worth something...

Rooboy 96

3 Feb 2001, 06:04

Teasdale for me just ahead of Mick (that's Nolan) does anyone remember McClure not seeing Mick out at Arden St... now that was funny...

Grendal... Barry Cable always Said Mick was the best palm ruckmen he ever played with... and he should know...

Voting so far

Dempsey 4
Teasdale 3
McKernan 1

Darky

3 Feb 2001, 06:09

Mine was Teasdale.

Rooboy 96

3 Feb 2001, 06:47

new figures...

Dempsey and Teasdale are now equal on 4 votes each followed by Mckernan on 1...

Gonzo

3 Feb 2001, 09:41

In order:

Dempsey
Teasdale
Nolan
McKernan
Keenan

Cheers

Gonzo

creator

3 Feb 2001, 09:48

Put me down for Dempsey.

Who cares if he also played for Footscray, he was still good for us as well.

creator

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light dispels the gloom of night
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Rooboy 96

3 Feb 2001, 10:44

and the Latest figures are in

Dempsey 6
Teasdale 4
McKernan 1

Keep those votes rolling in...

Back Seat Of A Taxi

3 Feb 2001, 10:51

All jokes aside. Dempsey easily.

croode

3 Feb 2001, 18:01

Mick Nolan.
Just ahead of Gary Dempsey who was by far the better player, one of the games great, but had less of an impact on North than Big Mick.
Crackers Keenan lost me with that pathetic and embarrassing performance in the 1978 2nd semi which I reckon cost North the pemiership that year.

[This message has been edited by croode (edited 02 February 2001).]

Rooboy 96

7 Feb 2001, 06:06

and the Latest figures are in

Dempsey 7
Teasdale 4
McKernan 1
Nolan 1

Keep those votes rolling in...

Rooboy 96

8 Feb 2001, 08:29

Voting Closes Monday the 12 of February 2001 at Midnight....

DEVO

8 Feb 2001, 08:34

I'll always consider Dempsey a Bulldog, so it's Teasdale for me. Mention to Mark Roberts, hopefully we can find a spot for him on the interchange (are we having one), because he could fill just about every position on the field.

choppyhard

8 Feb 2001, 16:21

Corey is a reasonable ruckman when he gets his hand on the ball, never saw him play but Dempsey for me

Rooboy 96

9 Feb 2001, 07:36

Originally posted by DEVO:
I'll always consider Dempsey a Bulldog, so it's Teasdale for me. Mention to Mark Roberts, hopefully we can find a spot for him on the interchange (are we having one), because he could fill just about every position on the field.

Devo once we select the starting 18 we will vote on the interchange...

Paulkanga2000

9 Feb 2001, 16:26

Teasdale

Rooboy 96

10 Feb 2001, 06:01

so far...

Dempsey 8
Teasdale 6
McKernan 1
Nolan 1

Keep those votes rolling in...

THE ICON

13 Feb 2001, 15:34

DEMPSEY

THE ICON

Mex

13 Feb 2001, 16:56

Corey gets my vote.

Rooboy 96

14 Feb 2001, 07:25

and the Ruckman is...

Gary Dempsey 9
N Teasdale 6
C McKernan 2
M Nolan 1

giantroo

16 Dec 2007, 18:58

*BUMP* Work in Progress = Hamish McIntosh

Groggyk

16 Dec 2007, 19:07

Teaser must have been a champion but I wasn't old enough to see him play.
Four B & F's and a Brownlow wins my vote.

RoyalBlue

16 Dec 2007, 19:11

Easily Brad Moran.

Kangalicious

16 Dec 2007, 19:13

Dempsey. I'm old, but not old enough to remember he was a Bulldog. So to me, he's always North.

Then daylight.

Then hopefully Hamish.

(RB - you can get help for that Moran thing. Really.)

micky_11

16 Dec 2007, 19:15

Spider Burton and Mckernan for me, as i grew up watching them and can not remember to many others. Always loved Mckernan and i can remember a few years in the early 2000's where big Spider and Robbins had a good ruck/rover team going, i think they won most effective taps to a player a couple of years running.

And Bigfooty has been around for a long time:eek:

rickety

16 Dec 2007, 19:17

crackers keenan threw a good tantrum!

rickety

16 Dec 2007, 19:20

what about darren harris, mark lisle and was it ian gallagher???:D

surely alex ischenko is worthy of a mention too:thumbsu:

giantroo

16 Dec 2007, 19:25

krisholio14

16 Dec 2007, 19:29

Johnny Lewis

gokangas

16 Dec 2007, 19:38

In my era Teasedale, Nolan and Dempsey were fantastic ruckmen. The NMFC players of the 70s rated Mick Nolan as the best tap ruckman of the era.

windsock

16 Dec 2007, 19:58

Woodson

16 Dec 2007, 22:27

Elephant Boots for mine. Reminds me of BF's Darky. :D

jacko57

16 Dec 2007, 22:41

How could you forget John Mossop, Mark Hepburn, Mark Lisle or Alex Ischenko (the last I had a soft spot for). Have to go with Gary Dempsey.
Ischenko was a real goer.

Mossop, Hepburn & Lisle can go in the Dud category, along with Michael Gallagher.

For mine :
1) Noel Teasdale
2) Mick Nolan
3) Gary Dempsey
4) Corey McKernan
5) Alex Ischenko
6) Crackers Keenan
7) Spider Burton

Johnny Lewis is in the AFL Hall of Fame, which must count for something!

Corey would top the list if he had played at his 94-97 form throughout his career.

jacko57

16 Dec 2007, 22:45

crackers keenan threw a good tantrum!
and a better right hook.

micky_11

16 Dec 2007, 23:03

Ischenko was a real goer.

Mossop, Hepburn & Lisle can go in the Dud category, along with Michael Gallagher.

For mine :
1) Noel Teasdale
2) Mick Nolan
3) Gary Dempsey
4) Corey McKernan
5) Alex Ischenko
6) Crackers Keenan
7) Spider Burton

Johnny Lewis is in the AFL Hall of Fame, which must count for something!

Corey would top the list if he had played at his 94-97 form throughout his career.

No Mark Porter in that list?:D

Daveo Plonk

17 Dec 2007, 00:10

Corey's '96 was the most dominant year by a ruckman in my memory...for any club. And his finals performances were first-rate. My vote.

MagooTheRoo

17 Dec 2007, 06:44

Johnny Lewis

It took a Geelong supporter to point this out to us. (He must have been at our first VFL game in 1925). On that tone, why hasn't anyone mentioned Barry Goodingham yet?

Still, Dempsy has my vote. He should have won a 2nd Brownlow in 1979.:(

jacko57

17 Dec 2007, 07:27

It took a Geelong supporter to point this out to us. (He must have been at our first VFL game in 1925). On that tone, why hasn't anyone mentioned Barry Goodingham yet?

Still, Dempsy has my vote. He should have won a 2nd Brownlow in 1979.:(
Lurch was an honest worker, but you could never call him a champion ruckman.

Dunno about the Brownlow in 79, but Dempsey definitely should have got a few frees in that preliminary final. (And Ian Robinson should never have umpired another final after that day). :mad:

pooley

17 Dec 2007, 09:42

McKernan was a great footballer (more like a ruck rover then a ruckman) when he was young and naive. He steadily descended to become the most uncordinated footballer in living memory. The timing of his leaps (at centre bounces and going for marks) became embarrassing. Could have been a superstar but in the end played about 4 good years out of 12.

In the end I don't know whether his biggest problem was Pagan or just plain old fear.

For me it is Dempsey, Nolan, Ischenko (players walked taller when he played for us). I was going to enter Goodingham but he finally appeared. Mark Porter was an ordinary player but jeez he always gave 110%.

McIntosh may be a better NMFC player then all of them come career's end.

No mention of David Hale in this thread. Well until now.

The Teflon Dean

17 Dec 2007, 11:14

I would rate McKernan the best for the very short period of time that he actually produced his best.:rolleyes:

Other than that, it is hard to go past Dempsey. Great tap ruckman and a impenetrable wall across half back. Freak player.:thumbsu:

Hamish is looming.:)

Beware, big Goldy.:thumbsu:

kangaroo7

17 Dec 2007, 17:27

All good nominations. (The serious ones that is. )

But no one's mentioned the man our B&F is named after--Sydney Quenton Barker. He was a champion ruckman for years for North in the VFA and played in the undefeated champion/premiership sides of 1913,1914 and 1918. Also the 1910 premiership team. Four premierships has to count for something.

But if we are only considering VFL/AFL then I"d have to go with Teasdale. A superb player in an ordinary side. Good around the ground as well as in the ruck. Combined well with champion rover Aylett and terrified oppponents.
Lewis was also supposed to be very good. Also played in a weak side but held his own with the stronger Melbourne side in the last three years of his career.Also feared by opponents including Jack Dyer.

giantroo

17 Dec 2007, 17:58

Dutton Peabody

17 Dec 2007, 18:39

Seen all the main contenders play and my vote goes to Teaser. It must be
remembered that he lost a brownlow (on count back) which was later reinstated at a time when he was competing with generally considered the 2 greatest ruckmen Aussie Rules has seen in Nichols and Farmer. Teaser played in Vic state sides when both Nichols and Farmer were eligible to play for Vic. 4 Syd Barkers and the courage to play with a depressed skull fracture put him at No. 1 for me.

Our two premierships in the 90's were won on the back of Matty Capuano. Matt C's ruckwork in the GF's allowed Corey to dominate in the mobile ruck rover role.

North's team of the century has Noel Teasdale as first ruck. That's good enough for me.

Devil Fish

17 Dec 2007, 19:13

Gags Gallagher for me.:thumbsu:

Ted

17 Dec 2007, 19:35

Teasdale

bwinnmforevr

17 Dec 2007, 20:14

For me its McKernan. At the height of his career he was just as impsoing a Carey, In fact in our two GF wins he was > than Carey on both occassions(in my opinion).

The Other Dean

17 Dec 2007, 23:55

For me its McKernan. At the height of his career he was just as imposing as Carey....

1oDqOB9yPrs

vb_is_4_me

18 Dec 2007, 12:06

Johnny Lewis

Thumbs up to the Cats fan for knowing there was a great player named Johnny who played for North. Must have been pretty good the big fella - played a few state games in the days when we were rubbish. I remember talking to a couple of old time players who reckon he was the shit.

Of the blokes I saw, Dempsey quite comfortably. Saw him take 20 marks at waverley one day, I reckon half were contested. Freak.

I'll start off by saying I'm bias as I'm related to Johnny Lewis.
Johnny could play. You only have to look at the 1931 season when he finished 4th in the brownlow behind Hayden Bunton, Allan Hopkins and Reg Hickey. What makes this even more remarkable is the fact Nth didnt win a single game that year. He then came 6th the following year again Bunton won.