The two major problems of 2012

[Knightmare]

1. Who should be our 2nd ruckman?

Options: Cameron Wood, Shae McNamara, Lachlan Keeffe, Jonathan Ceglar or Jarrod Witts.

Who I'd go with: I'd be tempted to use McNamara in the role this year.

I'm sure many will be saying Wood so I'm happy to go through a head to head to backup my views.

Ruckwork: Wood (Neither are going to get great hitout numbers and neither are great at making those meaningful hitouts with few of those going to advantage. While Wood has difficulty ever dominating any opponents the reason he gets the edge is because he is better at limiting the effectiveness of the opposition ruckmen in the contest *which is better than losing it more often than not which is more the case with McNamara*. In the ruck if body on body both are very poor and both can get pushed around pretty easily by stronger opposition ruckmen whether that be at boundary throwins or stop balls. So while Wood is still below average with his ruckwork he is still clearly ahead of McNamara at this stage)

What they offer around the ground: McNamara (You only have to look at some of Shae's disposal numbers at VFL level last year to know that he can have an impact around the ground. Takes marks, uses his athleticism to advantage and can even hit the score board. Wood is average in this area, has never been regarded as a big contributor around the ground but gets some disposals, though mostly insignficant ones in far less dangerous positions than you see from McNamara which is the other reason why McNamara gets the clear edge in this area)

Versatility: McNamara (Can play wing, forward or back and on a wing in particular has had some big games as well as some other solid performances up forward. Wood on the other hand when not in the ruck is mostly up forward, as a forward isn't a marking or goal scoring threat. Additionally his lack of tackling just makes it easier for the defenders to clear it from the back half for more meaningful drives forward. Big edge McNamara)

Marking ability: McNamara (Mostly takes marks due to height and athleticism so he is serviceable in this area but far from great whereas Wood on the other hand can take marks around the ground, but is far from a contested marking threat or a threat so I'd take McNamara in this regard)

Skills: McNamara (Both are probably slightly above average in this area for a ruckman. Wood interestingly has an above average efficiency by both hand and foot, the majority of these touches come from marks in the back half, so in the main Wood's touches aren't in pressure situations. McNamara skill wise is a really interesting one, by foot in particular is very good for a ruckman and is duel sided which can't be said for many ruckmen. Small but not significant edge)

Upside: McNamara (Wood has been tried but hasn't shown any notable progress. I'd take the untried ruckman anyday - you see relatively untried ruckmen traded most years *Shane Mumford and Sam Jacobs are two recent examples* and go on to have success whereas those who have played 40+ games, you know who the guy is and nothing is going to change that *You only have to look at Mark Blake over the years and Brent Renouf after being traded to Port Adelaide will still be the same guy, Wood is in this basket*. McNamara has a few years on Wood in age, but I don't see this as an issue. His improvement since joining the club has been significantly stronger than that of Wood over that same period and should be what is measured, and looking at the way things are trending I'd back McNamara to show the better improvement again this year)

Conclusion: If Jolly gets injured. Wood comes into the team as that first option - while he is far from the idea option we have no one better. He is the only guy who can come close to breaking even or at least limiting the impact of the opposition no.1 ruckman at this stage, but to take on the no.2 ruck position I'd take McNamara, Ceglar, Witts and Keeffe all ahead of Wood frankly. But right now I'd be tempted to go with McNamara and give him the chance to impress since all the younger options still physically have a long way to go.


2. With Macaffer out who will fill that 3rd tall forward hole?

Why this is an issue: Dawes and Cloke operate most effectively when we have another 3rd tall marking target up forward. L.Brown when up forward has been effective as that big marking target to take pressure off the two big fellas, as was Macaffer in 2010. It was clear against Geelong in the grand final last year that we need that extra tall marking target up forward as Geelong marked all those high balls into our forward half. Also against Hawthorn who lack those high level key defenders another big target could help further stretch their defence.

Potential solutions: Very tempting to say Harry O'Brien forward to play as a 3rd tall. Backline is loaded anyway and could cover for his absense if necessary. Attacks the ball and should be able to take a grab, would just need to use his understanding as a defender of the leading patterns of forwards and apply that as a forward. Would probably also need to tackle more, but with his physicality I could see him improving in this area. Dawes and Cloke seem to operate most effectively when there is another marking target up forward, the reservation I have is that I don't see Harry as a big contested marking target and instead more of a leading target, so I'm not sure he would be as effective as he might be in the back half but I do see merit in trying it in at some stage during the NAB Cup to see if the idea has any merit.

Jackson Paine could be another option and is one well worth talking about. Looked very good during the u18 champs last year and as that undersized key forward is more ready than others and can produce earlier than others. The other advantage with Paine is that he can exist with other key forwards which stylistically makes him a fit for our forwardline alongside Cloke and Dawes. I'm not sure I'd give him a go right up, but certainly if he can string together good VFL form I'd be very keen to inject him into the team.

At this stage I would probably look to go more conservative and settle for a smaller forwardline. Something like:
F: Jarryd Blair Chris Dawes Alex Fasolo
HF: Dayne Beams Travis Cloke Marty Clarke/Paul Seedsman
Rotation: Steele Sidebottom

*Others to consider when healthy/available: Alan Didak (HFF), Ben Johnson (HFF), Andrew Krakouer (FP).

Further depth who can fit into the side if required: Jamie Elliott, Kirk Ugle, Jackson Paine, Marley Williams, Caolan Mooney, Lachlan Smith.




Both roles will be incredibly interesting to watch during the year. At this stage no clear answers as to who is the right one to have filling the roles. Will be very interesting to watch what Nathan Buckley and the coaching staff have in mind and whether they come up with an appropriate solutions.

 

[TradeDraft]

Both have Options.

Wood would get 1st Chance of Being the 2nd Ruckman

for the 3rd Tall I would love to see Paine given a Go but I think he will start in the VFL.

Could the 2nd Ruckman be the 3rd Marking Option?

 

[Rusty22]

1.Umpires and 2.Injuries

 

[TradeDraft]

Conclusion: If Jolly gets injured. Wood comes into the team as that first option - while he is far from the idea option we have no one better. He is the only guy who can come close to breaking even or at least limiting the impact of the opposition no.1 ruckman at this stage, but to take on the no.2 ruck position I'd take McNamara, Ceglar, Witts and Keeffe all ahead of Wood frankly. But right now I'd be tempted to go with McNamara and give him the chance to impress since all the younger options still physically have a long way to go.

So at seasons end you would get rid of Wood - Knight?

 

[kevind]

The ruck situation is a critical one because we have only 1 ruckman(if he is fit this year)that can take us to the promised land.

I think Leigh Brown is a big loss as his physicality was priceless. None of the big players aside from Jolly offer this. In fact Wood is possibly the worst in this area.

I still think Wood will get the second ruckman job, but for me, it is a big downgrade from Leigh Brown. A lot of our blokes won't be walking so tall this year.

McNamara would have to be a massive long shot. I have only watched him a couple of times in the VFL, but each time he looked lost. Would be a great story if he made it though. Ditto Witts and Ceglar. I have only watched Ceglar in 1 VFL game, but he appears to be another in our long conga line of skinny, non physical ruckmen.


As for the 3rd forward, I believe we need someone who can jump at the ball. Dawes rarely gets off the ground when attepting to mark and it is quite easy to defend against. AS Goldsack has struggled to find his place in the side, I wouldn't mind seeing him as the 3rd forward. He has the leap and foot speed to trouble defenders. He is a thumping kick, so has a lot more weapons than Macaffer. He has also been well versed in defending.

Another alternative would, if Nathan Brown can return fit to KD,is to try Reid as the 3rd tall forward. In his brief stint up in attack he moved beautifully eg his game against Jarred Waite a few years back. Obviously kicking for goal would be an issue, but we would have 3 very tall, mobile forwards.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Leigh Brown was rubbish when it mattered last year. When Jolly was down on fitness we needed him to step up and he couldnt.

In the meantime Cameron Wood, our only form ruckman, was left to wallow in the VFL.

Wood should be our first choice ruckman this year. Jolly is a goalkicker so he can spend a lot of time there. We also have one of Reid/Brown/Tarrant to play the third tall role, along with Goldsack.

The other four are still in development and whilst some will get senior games, Wood and Jolly should be our first choices.

 

[mattys123]

Let's face the fact, we have 2 AFL class ruckman on our list, and that's Jolly and Wood.

The rest are either not good enough (McNamara and Keefe) or are too young (Witts, Ceglar, Gault etc).

If the case arises and one of Jolly or Wood aren't playing, then the kids get games, because in 12-24 months time, we will need one of them replace either or both of Jolly and Wood.

This season, round 1, if all are fit, Jolly and Wood play, there's no doubt about it, unless we want a Dawes or a Reid as second ruck, which might lead to a Roughead like situation of losing a key position player through injury due to using them in the ruck.

Shae Mac will never make it, I don't understand why he was retained, he offers nothing at senior level, and at 26, doesn't have a long time left anyway.

Wood can play forward, does that make us too top heavy? I say no, Leigh Brown wasn't too more mobile then Wood, so it's a straight replacement.

As for the 2nd concern, well Wood covers that too, so I don't think it is a concern unless injuries hit to Jols or Cam, and then well, we are ****ed anyway.

I think if anything our second concern may be the small forward position, because without Krak and Davis, we don't have any straight replacements that look ready to play.

 

[Knightmare]

So at seasons end you would get rid of Wood - Knight?

I certainly don't see him as anything more than depth and I don't see him developing into anything significant.

It will depend on a number of factors.

If Jolly retires at seasons end we would need to retain Wood unless we trade into another quality established ruckman who can take over that no.1 role.

Also might come down to whether a Ceglar or Keeffe can take the next step. If someone on our list can go past Wood, then we get rid of him, no problems. But with the vast majority of our rucks young and developing, Wood might still be on our list in 2013.

 

[blaze036]

The 2012 premiership could come down to if franklin has a good or a bad day...

We need to fast track witts development, so we do have the ruck backup as i have little faith in wood.

You dont need a 3rd tall forward to win a premiership. Cloke and Dawes is fine if their supported well by Faz and Kraks plus others rotating. We do however need Dawes to stand up and become a very good forward, rather than the average one he was for the most of 2012. I think fasolo will play a big role in 2012, his already shown he can kick a big bag in a big game and could bag 40 goals in 2012.

Other than that we need no significant injuries, and some luck, and we'll win the premiership

 

[TradeDraft]

I certainly don't see him as anything more than depth and I don't see him developing into anything significant.

It will depend on a number of factors.

If Jolly retires at seasons end we would need to retain Wood unless we trade into another quality established ruckman who can take over that no.1 role.

Also might come down to whether a Ceglar or Keeffe can take the next step. If someone on our list can go past Wood, then we get rid of him, no problems. But with the vast majority of our rucks young and developing, Wood might still be on our list in 2013.

So going by your Thoughts keeping Wood on the list this season was a Waste of a List Spot

 

[Knightmare]

Leigh Brown was rubbish when it mattered last year. When Jolly was down on fitness we needed him to step up and he couldnt.

In the meantime Cameron Wood, our only form ruckman, was left to wallow in the VFL.

Wood should be our first choice ruckman this year. Jolly is a goalkicker so he can spend a lot of time there. We also have one of Reid/Brown/Tarrant to play the third tall role, along with Goldsack.

The other four are still in development and whilst some will get senior games, Wood and Jolly should be our first choices.

Jolly this year is fully healthy. Has had a good preseason, is ready to rock. Why Jolly is such an effective ruckman is because he doesn't just get hitouts, but unlike Wood those hitouts go to advantage. That's the critical difference. He makes our midfielders better and gives them first use and does so meaningfully.

Where he gives us the edge is pushing forward from the ruck rather than up forward for long periods, which he can do, but he is a proven effective ruckman who can produce. Why not use the man where he is most effective?

Reid, N.Brown and Tarrant are all significantly better as key defenders. With forwardlines mostly getting taller with resting ruckmen typically playing forward we can easily play all 3 in the side if all are fit and fit them into the backline.

Goldsack while his tackling pressure is great, he isn't a marking threat as a forward so he doesn't add anything more than a Jarryd Blair as a forward.

Let's face the fact, we have 2 AFL class ruckman on our list, and that's Jolly and Wood.

The rest are either not good enough (McNamara and Keefe) or are too young (Witts, Ceglar, Gault etc).

If the case arises and one of Jolly or Wood aren't playing, then the kids get games, because in 12-24 months time, we will need one of them replace either or both of Jolly and Wood.

This season, round 1, if all are fit, Jolly and Wood play, there's no doubt about it, unless we want a Dawes or a Reid as second ruck, which might lead to a Roughead like situation of losing a key position player through injury due to using them in the ruck.

Shae Mac will never make it, I don't understand why he was retained, he offers nothing at senior level, and at 26, doesn't have a long time left anyway.

Wood can play forward, does that make us too top heavy? I say no, Leigh Brown wasn't too more mobile then Wood, so it's a straight replacement.

As for the 2nd concern, well Wood covers that too, so I don't think it is a concern unless injuries hit to Jols or Cam, and then well, we are ****ed anyway.

I think if anything our second concern may be the small forward position, because without Krak and Davis, we don't have any straight replacements that look ready to play.

I think you are right that Jolly and Wood will be the two to get games. They are the two with experience and are the logical choices.

I also agree that it is completely wrong to play one of our KPPs in ruck. Put Reid, Cloke, Dawes, N.Brown or whoever in there and long term you're doing damage to their careers.

But I don't agree that Wood is an AFL quality ruckman at all. He is not a player you can win a premiership with and doesn't do anything that effects winning.

The big difference between L.Brown and Wood as a forward is the tackling. While bigger in build L.Brown was a great tackler. Got great tackle numbers for a big and made them stick and really thrived in this element of the game. Wood doesn't pressure and doesn't help keep the ball in the forward half. Additionally L.Brown was actually a marking target. 1v1 could win and could take contested grabs. Wood doesn't have this ability and rarely takes a grabs. Has taken some at the highest point, though this is rare and with contact will 9/10 drop it. Big difference.

If Jolly gets injured, we're in trouble. If Wood does. Not so much. Not a best 25 player and with others who can play forward better (Ceglar, Witts, McNamara) I wouldn't lose any sleep.
But regardless of player or team you never want to see a guy injuried.

McNamara I wouldn't have retained either to be honest. But considering we have I'd be keen to see what he can do if given the opportunity. Not a long term player, but has improved more than Wood and with the ability to play that range of roles I don't see him as someone who will do any worse in a role that requires some flexibility.

 

[Knightmare]

So going by your Thoughts keeping Wood on the list this season was a Waste of a List Spot

Yes and no.

We need him because the ruck is the most important position on the field and you can't just take a midfielder to fill the role (though I recall at some stage Hawthorn tried).

He is someone who we need to keep around until our young group are ready to take over and play senior footy. Physically Witts, Ceglar and Keeffe among others need time. We just don't have the options right now who can step in and impact the position with Darren Jolly our only AFL quality ruckman at present who can impact the position and play winning football.

I'm not a fan of depth either. If a guy isn't AFL quality I typically agree that you delist the guy and bring in new talent with the hope that they can develop into best 22 players. But with our position being in contention to win another premiership, in the case of Wood you pretty much have to keep him right now just for insurance because Jolly isn't getting any younger and showed that his body can't hold up quite how it once did. So unfortunately Wood is necessary depth.

 

[doppleganger]

Problem 1

Will be very interesting to see how Bucks approaches the ruck, will being schooled by MM lead him to devalue the ruck too??

If going for a 'lose' the ruck but be great around the ground, what about T.Goldsack?? He has a solid spring on him, is taller than J.Blake who is another of the run around rucks. If basically admitting you are going to lose the ruck, playing Goldsack as an extra midfielder is a much better option than Shae.

Or we could give Wood the chance to take the number 1 spot, and play Jolly as the deep forward and relief ruck option....that way have to genuine rucks, and also helps ease the load on Jolly's body.

Problem 2

Do we really have a problem?? Sure having a smaller marking target would be a brilliant luxury to have, but it is hardly a problem. Didak, Fasolo, Krak, Blair, Sidebottom, M.Clarke, Elliot, Goldsack, Ugle, Beams could/will all rotate through...plenty of options and guys who are more than capable of finding space on the lead and bobbing up with 3-4 in a game, and getting 20-30 for a season.

Guys like Swan, Thomas or Pendles could spend more resting time up forward, would hate to be a tagger asked to try and stop them taking a grab down forward.

Tarrant could relish being the 3rd tall instead of the main target as a bit of a swing man type role.

Or as mentioned in problem 1, Jolly could spend more time forward early in the games...with Wood being the number 1 ruck for the majority....then perhaps Wood is subbed off at 3Q time, Jolly goes to the ruck and we get an extra runner on to try and run teams off their feet in the final Q.

Neither are major problems.

If Jolly stands up (no reason to expect he wont), we have better rucks than Geelong and Hawthorn.

And a 3rd marking option is not a necessary when you have more than half a dozen genuine quality small forward options.....look at Carlton, they just need one big bloke to stand up and they will have a brilliant forward line.

 

[buzzbuzz]

I'm now in the "Shae will never make it" camp - at VFL or AFL level. I think our rucks have to be Jolly and Wood. It's almost a no-brainer. If one or two suffer injuries, we put in Ceglar or Witts. Very interested to see how Buckley views the ruck situation and whether or not he'll go with two true rucks (even if sometimes one of them is a kid). I suspect he will.

Suggesting Paine as a legitimate option for the year is... I mean, come on. Tarrant is a good suggestion, and may be given the role as part of the broader scope of a utility.

 

[TradeDraft]

Or we could give Wood the chance to take the number 1 spot, and play Jolly as the deep forward and relief ruck option....that way have to genuine rucks, and also helps ease the load on Jolly's body.

I really like this Option

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

My only issue is gameplan.

I want to see us go back to actually playing our press.

This myth that it's been 'figured out' is horseshit. West Coast used it all year and it worked for them outside a handful of games. We only lost 2 games WITHOUT using it.

It's Buckley's gameplan anyway, I want to see us go back to using it.

 

[Ed D]

My only issue is gameplan.

I want to see us go back to actually playing our press.

This myth that it's been 'figured out' is horseshit. West Coast used it all year and it worked for them outside a handful of games. We only lost 2 games WITHOUT using it.

It's Buckley's gameplan anyway, I want to see us go back to using it.

I agree with the press, I don't think other teams found out so much how to break it, I just don't think it was implemented very well especially towards the end of the year. Who knows however, Geelong's style might have cracked it but IMO we never really played it well to truly test it.

Going back to the 3 forwards/ruck etc, MM designed the game plan around the players he had and to the strengths of the team. No doubt Buckley will be the same. It means that if there aren't 3 tall forwards at AFL level then the game plan will be altered to suit whoever is selected, rather than throwing in a player who isn't ready. Being at the start of the season and already knowing which players are available gives a lot of time to get things flowing nicely by the end of the year.

 

[Scodog10]

I don't think they're our two major problems this year, but I thought I might contribute anyway

Basically what we're looking at with the third tall is someone that can negate the influence of Scarlett and Gibson (who'll be released this year with Gilham fit). Caff and Brown did that exceptionally in 2010, but we couldn't do it as well last year. Scarlett dominated our smaller forwards in the air in the GF so we need a way to make him accountable.

With Caff going down my best guess is that Bucks will try to use Goldsack in much the same way Essendon used Welsh last year against the Cats. It'll be a pseudo negating role which Goldsack's up to defensively IMO and if he managed to keep Scarlett quiet I'd be quite happy if he ended up with 5 possessions and 5 tackles! He's never really been given a consistent crack at things so maybe giving him the first half of the season as a guaranteed starter will bring out the best of him in that role.

Wood will be in the best 22 this year as either first or second ruck he needs a rocket up him and to have a similar season to West last year. Its unfortunate but he is the only true option we have outside of Jolly the others are just window dressing.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Jolly this year is fully healthy. Has had a good preseason, is ready to rock. Why Jolly is such an effective ruckman is because he doesn't just get hitouts, but unlike Wood those hitouts go to advantage. That's the critical difference. He makes our midfielders better and gives them first use and does so meaningfully. .

I dont think anybody would argue that a fully fit Jolly is our best ruckman.

The question is how to utilise him properly to extend his career without hyper extending his knee. Thats why I think we should revert to two traditional ruckmen in 2012. Theres nothing radical in suggesting our two best ruckmen should be in the 22. Theres no point going the Leigh Brown option if you dont have a Leigh Brown on your list.

 

[rand corp]

I think Wood has to be the preferred option at this stage and you would like to see Witts continue on his rapid development arc and be getting a taste of life in the ones later in the season.

Shae did a few nice things in the hitout and could surprise if he can start to stay involved for longer periods of the game -during the early rounds of the VFL.

Brown could be a forward weapon but coming of two bung knees I think I'd prefer to see him playing behind the ball and running straight up the ground rather than all the stopping and turning involved in playing ahead of the ball.

Ceglar looks a bit light weight at the moment and needs to work hard to make a second and third effort whereas Paine needs to adjust to the step up and work on his poise and skill with the fundamentals -he's already showed he likes a bit of crash and bash and does have a second and third effort in him.

 

[sloth6]

I'd like to see Wood spend more time in the ruck and Jolly rest forward. Jolly is a beautiful kick for goal, smart and can take a contested mark. Wood is neither of the three.

Give Wood 5 to 6 weeks to see if this can work being the dominant ruckman in the side.

I wouldn't call Macaffer a tall forward either - his job was to be defensive and lure his defender away so Cloke and Dawes can have one on one contests or receive the footy from defence.

Goldsack needs to play on a wing - in an Andrew Embley type role. Get the ball in his hands and let him get it long to Cloke or Dawes quickly.

I think Paine might develop into the third tall - he is quicker than Macaffer and hits the packs and contest hard. Elliot is meant to be the Medhurst type that is good above his head - he might slot in.

McNamara - Play him in the next three matches, give Jolly a spell. Let's see what he can do and then we can make judgement.

 

[Number 10]

I don't think they're our two major problems this year, but I thought I might contribute anyway

Basically what we're looking at with the third tall is someone that can negate the influence of Scarlett and Gibson (who'll be released this year with Gilham fit). Caff and Brown did that exceptionally in 2010, but we couldn't do it as well last year. Scarlett dominated our smaller forwards in the air in the GF so we need a way to make him accountable.

With Caff going down my best guess is that Bucks will try to use Goldsack in much the same way Essendon used Welsh last year against the Cats. It'll be a pseudo negating role which Goldsack's up to defensively IMO and if he managed to keep Scarlett quiet I'd be quite happy if he ended up with 5 possessions and 5 tackles! He's never really been given a consistent crack at things so maybe giving him the first half of the season as a guaranteed starter will bring out the best of him in that role.

Wood will be in the best 22 this year as either first or second ruck he needs a rocket up him and to have a similar season to West last year. Its unfortunate but he is the only true option we have outside of Jolly the others are just window dressing.

Completely agree with this.

Goldsack, however good he can be as a wingman is simply not needed there - we already have Thomas, the best wingman in the league, Shaw who plays the role at times and a plethora of good mids waiting for their time to play there.

Goldsack has the tools to do exactly what Macaffer did.. When you compare the two - both have good enough speed to lead as a forward, both have strong hands for a 3rd tall, both are quick enough and can tackle well enough to be a defensive forward and Macaffer is just slightly better at reading the play and crumbing. But all in all if we are looking for a 3rd tall to fill Macaffer's, it is Goldsack.

I'm liking the Shae Mac idea, afterall, Leigh Brown was utterly woeful in the ruck - sure he competed but Shae will be able to run into a bloke as well and "compete" for the ball. Wood can offer a slightly serviceable ruck tap, but as already pointed out, Shae is far more capable and versitile around the ground as key back, wing or forward. Wood just gives me the shits because he looks lazy out there.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Theres way too much overanaysis going on here.

Dale Thomas is a midfielder. Hes not neccessarily a winger. Not that anybody woudl be able to tell the difference in modern football, the only time a winger is in position is at the centre bounce. Hes just a very very good player that we will use in the rotations like a dozen other players, wherever that may be at the time....wing, in the guts, forward or sweeping in defence.

Goldsack up forward or on the wing is a very good suggestion. Again theres really no such position any more as "wing", but the basic suggestion to play as a high forward bombing into 50 and sometimes floating deeper is a very good one. Comaprisons with Embley are valid.

 

[Pied Avenger]

Hi Boys & Girls if our concern with Woods is fundamentally his ability to win the hit out against 1st string ruckman can we not consider the tactical 3rd man up. Woods concentrates on negating the main ruck and someone else looks to make the hitout. Its been used against us when the oppos main Ruck has been sustandard against Jolly, lets turn the tables somewhat.

 

[doppleganger]

3rd man is up what cost Hawthorn the game in the PF...the third man up resulted in the goals to Swan and L.Ball.

It is 'easier' to rove to a losing ruck, than to try and create 3rd man up scenarios.

Wood isn't as bad as people are making out, especially in comparison to L.Brown. Wood, in 2011, found the ball around the ground as much as L.Brown ever did for us...sure he doesn't have a intimidating presence, but he is actually a much better actual ruckman. Have never really been used as a forward option, so dont know whether he can contribute the 1 goal per game that the Anvil did, but reckon he would be able to go close.

Seriously, L.Brown didn't give us much at all in 2011, so it aint as if we have to find an absolute gun to cover his output....Wood staying at his 2011 and Jolly getting back to full health will provide us with more that the combo of an injured Jolly, out of form L.Brown and gap filling Wood did in 2011.

The ruck is one position where we should be much improved on 2011 coming into 2012.