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- Nov 22, 2015
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- Carlton
We absolutely need a young ruckman.Keeping myself occupied researching the draft, relative to the required pieces of the rebuild, I have had a good look at the available ruckmen.
There are 15-16 ruck prospects profiled in the Inside Football draft issue. They range from undersized athletes like Olango to developing
VFL "mature" types like Casey's McInerney. Includes Tim English who will be beyond our reach, and the burly Geelong boy Darcy, slightly
undersized Filipovic, a lauded underaged leader. Julian Patterson is a little fascinating, skinny underdeveloped kid under 80kg from a basketball athletic background with an Olympic high jumper for a sister and some of her traits.
WA's Jeremy Goddard was the next big thing as an underager, but lost ground this year, similarly SA boys Peter Ladhams (with who we had a rumoured link), Jordon Sweet, and overager Andre Parella, another late starter have all been highly regarded, but have some questions. Late
SA bolter Sam Draper attracted some attention late in the year, having got the better of the highly rated SA boys one-on one. Draper's first
full year of footy (soccer background) had him start in defence, move forward/pinch hitting, before thaking the no. 1 ruck mantle.
WA boy Darcy Cameron has been on the radar for 4 years. Highly regarded in his draft year, his intensity and work ethic was in question. He has been playing state league for Claremont and split his time between ruck and forward. Approaching 40 goals, as well as being highly rated for his
tap work. He has pretty much dispelled the questions over his attitude with some consistent performances. Same club as young Goddard, and
supposedly more mobile. [Interesting aside is that both play at Petrevski-Seton's club, so would have a relationship]
Our ruck stocks, at best are adequate Kreuzer continues to be dogged by the effects of injuries, Phillips has been prone to soft tissue injuries
through his career, although a big pre season may see a quantum leap in performance. Cat B rookie Korcheck has some developing to do.
Levi, Rowie and Gorringe are pinch hitters, so we need a developing ruck.
Have liked both Goddard and Sweet for a while, Ladhams has "claims" but I must admit "research" leads me to a preference for either Sam Draper or the mature Darcy Cameron. Given our list position and the fact that there are some higher rated young rucks among next year's
draft class, Cameron is a standout candidate.
Levi probably on the outer next year, with Jones and Gorringe probably in the same boat, lends us to needing a more mature young ruck.
Still whispers of MK being a "victim" of free agency next year. Cameron can hit the scoreboard as a second ruck, yet seemingly has the ability and maturity to take on the no. 1 if necessary. He is a couple of years ahead of most of his "opposition". If there are serious thoughts of "cashing in" Kreuzer, then my opinion would be to take Cameron with a late pick and Draper as a rookie, if we end up with too many, a decent young ruck becomes decent trade bait.
Sick of the repetitive to and fro at the top end of the draft so looking at later options for discussion.







