That's a good point, that even though he hasn't played AFL yet, Meek has spent the last 3 years training against Sandi - who's always been called the hardest opponent to come up against by all the other opposition ruckmen. Meek will be more ready than most ruck debutants usually are come round 1.Sandi is not listed as a coach for the men’s team, he’s the woman’s team ruck coach, so the fact they have him rucking against Meek in the intraclub and during drills means two things.
First, there is some real doubt about Darcy getting up for round 1.
Second, this should be seen as a positive, that Meek is close to AFL standards and they are hoping with 3 weeks of rucking against Sandi that he’ll be up to the task of taking on Gawn in round 1.