2012 SC Rucks

[Kreuzin4aBluesin]

Anyone else thinking NicNat and Kreuze? Both could really step it up this year, and the savings can be used to get more proven premiums elsewhere... still undecided but i like risk taking/differentiating.

I'm starting this combo, but with baited breath. Confident in both individually, but somehow it looks just a bit shy of the mark. Gonna stick it out though. They should both at the very least provide good value.

 

[Kegstar]

What are peoples thoughts on Maric?
Was thinking of a Mumford, Maric, Stephenson, Giles combination,

thoughts?

 

[thedaz47]

What are peoples thoughts on Maric?
Was thinking of a Mumford, Maric, Stephenson, Giles combination,

thoughts?

He's in and out of mine atm. It'll be either Maric or a playing rookie (Giles, Cordy, Stephenson) at R2. I like the structure of my team elsewhere once I spend the extra money in Defense and Forwards.

 

[CaptainChardonnay]

Lots of speculation about some midpricers going on. But unless they ABSOLUTELY rip it up in the NAB cup and look certain to be in the top 4 or so of rucks by year end, for mine, you'r either better off going rookie and using the cash elsewhere, or going premium and saving yourself a trade. As things stand, there are only 5 real premiums;

Cox
Sandi
Mummy
Leunberger
Goldstein.

Borderline are;
Jacobs
McEvoy

Potentials are;
Kruezer
Nic Nat.

Everyone else is a step below these guys and NOT what you want in your team.

 

[TimC]

Thoughts on Ayce Cordy as an expensive rookie? Surely there's opportunity for him and he's had a few years of development. I can see him being worth $380k during the season for sure, but is it realistic?

Wouldn't risk it. Won't play enough to be worth $380K. Even if he does he'll be given pinch hit roles in different areas of the field.
Injuries mean he is really behind in development.

 

[MightyMark]

Lots of speculation about some midpricers going on. But unless they ABSOLUTELY rip it up in the NAB cup and look certain to be in the top 4 or so of rucks by year end, for mine, you'r either better off going rookie and using the cash elsewhere, or going premium and saving yourself a trade. As things stand, there are only 5 real premiums;

Cox
Sandi
Mummy
Leunberger
Goldstein.

Borderline are;
Jacobs
McEvoy

Potentials are;
Kruezer
Nic Nat.

Everyone else is a step below these guys and NOT what you want in your team.

A little sceptical on Goldstiens scoring potential this year.

I had him for the second half of last year and loved it, but he was playing as the sole ruckman. With HMac back his time in the ruck will most likely be diminished.

People compare the situation to Cox and NicNat, but Goldstien isn't really the mobile ruckman type like Cox and will need to play plenty of time in the ruck to keep his average up like last year. McEvoy, Leunberger and Goldstein all stepped up last year due to the increased time on ground as a sole ruckman, but only Goldstein has to share that role this year. Just concerned this will affect his scoring. Thoughts?

 

[NZ_Tiger]

A little sceptical on Goldstiens scoring potential this year.

I had him for the second half of last year and loved it, but he was playing as the sole ruckman. With HMac back his time in the ruck will most likely be diminished.

People compare the situation to Cox and NicNat, but Goldstien isn't really the mobile ruckman type like Cox and will need to play plenty of time in the ruck to keep his average up like last year. McEvoy, Leunberger and Goldstein all stepped up last year due to the increased time on ground as a sole ruckman, but only Goldstein has to share that role this year. Just concerned this will affect his scoring. Thoughts?

The thoughts on Goldstein seem backed up by the north trial game. Hmac seemed better around the ground while they shared the ruck duties.

 

[Vamos Juddamente]

Anyone else thinking NicNat and Kreuze? Both could really step it up this year, and the savings can be used to get more proven premiums elsewhere... still undecided but i like risk taking/differentiating.

Biased Carlton fan but i think Krueze is very likelt to end up in the top 5 rucks at the end of year. I am going to put him with Sandi. If fit he runs all day and will be a great link player like Cox is. His tank will blow up his opposition which will lead to cheap kicks later in the quarters. He got too big last year and this along with the knee took the run out of his game. He has got himself back to his previous lower weight so he is ready to go. Remember last year he really played most of his footy as a forward which is not his go. This year he will be number 1 ruck.

 

[MightyMark]

The thoughts on Goldstein seem backed up by the north trial game. Hmac seemed better around the ground while they shared the ruck duties.

I’ll still wait until the NAB cup to fully confirm my suspicions, but I will definitely be steering clear of Goldstein this year.

Thanks for the update.

 

[Jordie_tackles]

What is everyones thoughts on Maric?

I like him, will be getting time for Richmond imo and is entering the peak of his career?

to dangerous as D2?

 

[motorvinnie]

What is everyones thoughts on Maric?

I like him, will be getting time for Richmond imo and is entering the peak of his career?

to dangerous as D2?

Yeah good choice.. Number one ruckman for the tigers.. Will take most of the load as Graham and Browne need a couple more years.. Can go forward and kick a few goals as well. This year I think he could be close with mark jamar In scoring effects if he keeps himself on the park

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Rucks are the hardest for me this year. Have gone for the Mac Attack in McEvoy and McIntosh. I know a lot of people have written off Hmac but he did score 96 playing alongside Goldstein in his only game in '11 but I think with the majority of rucks being seemingly over the odds these two might present some value

 

[MightyMark]

Rucks are the hardest for me this year. Have gone for the Mac Attack in McEvoy and McIntosh. I know a lot of people have written off Hmac but he did score 96 playing alongside Goldstein in his only game in '11 but I think with the majority of rucks being seemingly over the odds these two might present some value

I'm a big advocate for the set and forget approach with the rucks. Pick 2 premium ruckman at the start of the year who you know are going to score well (there are only ever really 6 ruckman at most worth having) and hope that they play all year. You should hope to be scoring around 220 point a week from your top 2 rucks.

No point in starting with a second tier ruckmen like HMac because he is not going to score the same as the premiums. Unlike other positions the ruck premiums rarely change (excluding last year, which was an anomaly due to the new bench rule), each year maybe 1 new ruckmen will emerge and 1 old ruckmen will disappear into obscurity. Doubtful that HMac will be the ruckmen to step up given he isn't even the number 1 ruck at his own club.

Save yourself a trade later on, because HMac is not going to make you much of a profit and is most likely going to cost you 10-15 points each round at least in comparison with Cox, Sandi, Mumford, Berger, etc.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

I'm a big advocate for the set and forget approach with the rucks. Pick 2 premium ruckman at the start of the year who you know are going to score well (there are only ever really 6 ruckman at most worth having) and hope that they play all year. You should hope to be scoring around 220 point a week from your top 2 rucks.

No point in starting with a second tier ruckmen like HMac because he is not going to score the same as the premiums. Unlike other positions the ruck premiums rarely change (excluding last year, which was an anomaly due to the new bench rule), each year maybe 1 new ruckmen will emerge and 1 old ruckmen will disappear into obscurity. Doubtful that HMac will be the ruckmen to step up given he isn't even the number 1 ruck at his own club.

Save yourself a trade later on, because HMac is not going to make you much of a profit and is most likely going to cost you 10-15 points each round at least in comparison with Cox, Sandi, Mumford, Berger, etc.

Your'e more than likely right, but Im looking for value in the rucks this year to try and get an extra premium mid. Will look at NAB Cup formand see how he goes

 

[MightyMark]

Your'e more than likely right, but Im looking for value in the rucks this year to try and get an extra premium mid. Will look at NAB Cup formand see how he goes

I would say your better off going a premium ruckmen and looking for value in the mids.
There is a heap of value to be found in the mids, with more upside than HMAc, and if you select the right ruckmen they will be scoring roughly what a premium mid will anyways.

Food for thought.

 

[Ed D]

Asuming McIntosh averaged 90+ he'd make enough money to be worth selecting. I wouldn't put it past him. He is capable of playing forward as well so even when he was resting he should be scoring points.

 

[MightyMark]

Asuming McIntosh averaged 90+ he'd make enough money to be worth selecting. I wouldn't put it past him. He is capable of playing forward as well so even when he was resting he should be scoring points.

I still think there is more value in the mids. Even if Hmac can manage to average 90 he will only go up about 140K. A lot more money to be made choosing a rookie mid.

 

[Evil Toucan]

North have a very good early SoS. Wouldn't put it past him either to manage a 90 average.
It's just too awkward for me. Those sort of players are good enough to stay in your team while you upgrade and then you end up having them so much longer than you originally planned. He doesn't have the ceiling that other rucks have and can't see him being in the top 5 rucks this year.

 

[Ed D]

It all comes down to team balance I guess. Someone else may make more money in another position for less cash, but then might not have the security or be able to score over 70 consistently. Personally I'd only think about McIntosh if he had a solid NAB Cup (or Goldstein got injured) but he's not a bad pick if you're looking for a cheaper ruckman. He could end up being a better pick than someone like Kreuzer whose name keeps getting thrown around.

 

[ozzyoslo]

Biased Carlton fan but i think Krueze is very likelt to end up in the top 5 rucks at the end of year. I am going to put him with Sandi. If fit he runs all day and will be a great link player like Cox is. His tank will blow up his opposition which will lead to cheap kicks later in the quarters. He got too big last year and this along with the knee took the run out of his game. He has got himself back to his previous lower weight so he is ready to go. Remember last year he really played most of his footy as a forward which is not his go. This year he will be number 1 ruck.

name your top 4 ruck men then....

 

[lamaros]

Here's my definitive review, sorted by 2011 average (please point out any I have missed that you might be considering):

Cox: 2689 points in 2011 (#1). Low to medium risk. Great year last year, but West Coast did have a great season, and a draw that will not be repeated this time around. With Naitanui and Lycett pushing for more game time and time passing Cox might slip a bit from his top scoring form.

Goldstein: 2377 points in 2011 (#2). Low to medium risk. With HMac back fit and seemingly assured a place in the side there is a reasonable chance that Goldstein's scores could slide. Only one super season so far, so it remains to be seen if he can back it up.

Mumford: 1914 points in 2011 (#6). Low to medium risk. Probably the most assured of gametime of all the premium rucks, with two quality seasons under his belt and no one pushing for his spot in the sydney team. However he has never played a full season of games, so there is some concern there if he can keep himself on the park.

Sandilands: 1440 points in 2011. Low to medium risk. Injury concerns and a new coach means that Sandi is not as safe a choice as he could be, but he's still one of the best. Freemantle fans are pushing for other rucks to get a bit more time, and Lyon might be of the same view, so keep that in mind.

Leuenberger: 2249 points in 2011 (#3). Low to medium risk. Finally hit some of the form last season that people have been talking him up to. Played every game for the last two years, which is vital for a ruckman, and seems assured of his spot as the number one ruck. However, who knows what crazy Vossy will do with him and Hudson? Might not be as popular a choice as he should be and could give you an edge as he really had a great 2011.

Roughead: 1116 points in 2011. Medium to high risk. Injury concerns, positional concerns, and the fact that last (half) season was his best scoring to date means that Roughead is too big a risk for me.

McEvoy: 2126 points in 2011 (#4). Medium risk. New coach is always a slight risk, but McEvoy should be the clear #1 ruck now having proven himself in 2011. He will need to improve again to pull out the scores that premium rucks are expected to achieve, but he is a pretty safe choice.

Naitanui: 1877 points in 2011 (#7). Medium risk. Some similar concerns to Cox in regards to how West Coast will do as a team, but everything else is a positive. Another year to learn the game, possibly more ruck time, and more experience should see him push his score a little higher again. Despite shoulder troubles he still managed 20 games in 2011, making him one of the most reliable rucks for games played.

Jacobs: 1762 points in 2011 (#8). Medium to high risk. Not enough points and not enough of a history for mine. Unless you have a scoop on him improving a whole heap I'd pass.

Griffin: 707 points in 2011. High risk. With Sandi in the same side picking any other Freemantle ruck is a big risk. Too expensive for a guy who probably wont play that many games.

Ryder: 1999 points in 2011 (#5). Medium risk. One of the most reliable players in the league, which can be very underrated. Ruckman often miss a couple of games here or there, but Ryder has only missed 4 games in the last 5 years, and never more than one a year. This enabled him to outscore many ruckmen with a better average in 2011. However, while his scoring has been reliable and is increasing the last three seasons, he has never pushed 100+ for a year, something a premium ruck now needs. His form from round 15 last year was excellent (~105), and I'm picking him for a big year in 2012, but there is some bias here that others might not follow. Concerns about his position (forward or ruck?) are offset for me by his goal-kicking potential, but others might not be as confident. Is only 23, so he should be entering his prime in 2012.

Hille: 1523 points in 2011. Medium to high risk. Hird says he is "training the house down" after an interrupted 2011, but his best form was never top scoring for a ruck (even if it was quite close). If he gets back to his best there are still better options, so I can't really suggest you get him.

Jolly: 1080 points in 2011. High risk. With injury and age concerns, as well as the fact he has never scored that highly while at Collingwood, Jolly is someone you want to skip.

Smith: 1563 points in 2011. High risk. Opposition coaches and players will put more work into him after his break out 2011. Too low scoring and risky for a premium ruck at this point, but maybe some like to gamble.

Kreuzer: 926 points in 2011. High risk. He has never scored that well. He is yet to show top form since his injury, and he is not assured of a high scoring ruck position. I'm sorry, but Kreuzer is too big a risk. If you are a believer then you can go for it, but I'd wait and see in the first few round before you commit to an expensive hope.

 

[lamaros]

Doing that review has actually made me more confident about Ryder, and made me think I should swap Mumford for Luenberger or McEvoy.

Hmmm...

 

[MightyMark]

It all comes down to team balance I guess. Someone else may make more money in another position for less cash, but then might not have the security or be able to score over 70 consistently. Personally I'd only think about McIntosh if he had a solid NAB Cup (or Goldstein got injured) but he's not a bad pick if you're looking for a cheaper ruckman. He could end up being a better pick than someone like Kreuzer whose name keeps getting thrown around.

HMac looked better value than Goldy in the NAB cup. I'm not sold, but will be watching this play out closley.

 

[MightyMark]

Doing that review has actually made me more confident about Ryder, and made me think I should swap Mumford for Luenberger or McEvoy.

Hmmm...

I am stuck on who to have as my 1st Ruck, currently have Mumford, but im simply not confident that is the right choice. Cant see McEvoy increasing his average too much.

Honestly, really want to go Berger, but like you said, not confident Voss will utilise his full potential.

 

[MrChristo]

Kreuzer: 926 points in 2011. High risk. He has never scored that well. He is yet to show top form since his injury, and he is not assured of a high scoring ruck position. I'm sorry, but Kreuzer is too big a risk. If you are a believer then you can go for it, but I'd wait and see in the first few round before you commit to an expensive hope.

Every Carlton ruck mention I see is Kruezer...

...looks like he'll be played forward most of the time with Warnock doing the majority of the ruck duties.

Just turned 25, jumped from 61 to 86 points last year...

Won't be a super high scorer, but could easily finish in the top 5 or 6 rucks for the year.

EDIT: Ooops I forgot about Hampson, but pretty sure I read that the Carlton coaching staff mentioned Warnock specifically.

Yep, risk: High!