Opinion Leigh Brown Replacement?

[davywap]

Just heard Dermott Brereton make an interesting comment on League Teams, saying that Collingwood has plenty of #1 ruckman, but no #2 ruckman now that Leigh Brown has left - meaning no multi-skilled ruckman who can go forward, etc.
Made me think, do we have or need someone for that role? I saw in the pre-season Dawes playing in ruck but not much, and the younger rucks were all given a go when Jolly was off or being rested.

First player I thought of to possibly play that 2nd ruck type role was Lachlan Keefe. I don't rate him that highly so far as a defender, but on the rare occasion when going forward I thought he looked OK. I think he may have kicked 3 goals in a game last year, even though I think it was against Gold Coast. He's also I think around 204cm so obviously tall enough for the ruck, obvious question I guess is - is he good enough to fill in there seeing as he hasn't really played there thus far?

What does everyone else think? Will Bucks utilise a 2nd ruck/forward, or just revert back to the traditional 1 or 2 pure ruckman/men?

 

[Stifler's mom]

He's the perfect physical shape but is he good enough?

 

[Kirby]

Depends on whether you need a Leigh Brown type I guess. Even the actual Leigh Brown only played that role for 1 and a half years and then only well for that first half year in 2010.

Where are the other team's Leigh Brown types? Natanui is not really the same sort of player although handy up forward, but who are the others? Yes, Kruezer shows promise but not proven yet.

In our own backyard, I agree Wood is a pure ruckman and not really a capable forward. Both Ceglar and Witts look to be capable in the forward line but neither are ready yet for the big time, although both show much promise.

I'm just saying I'm not sure it's a real role, or at least one that many clubs cover (well at least).

 

[Swooop]

I don't think Keefe is good enough at this stage.

Dawes seems like he'll be given first crack at it - not as physical, but more creative probably and will give away a lot less frees than Leroy did.
I'd call Dawes an upgrade on Leroy who really did not do a lot last year.

Sounds like Wood is almost back...maybe when he does return if Jolly /Dawes isn''t working or injury, he could be given a try.

Or even the reverse...Wood be given first ruck and Jolly take the second ruck spot, predominantly resting forward.

I think Keefe needs another year in the VFL to learn his craft a bit more and gain some confidence

 

[magpiewarrior]

Jarad Witts if we are just looking for Ruck who can go forward but if we need someone to go into defence as well, he is not yet up to it. I know he is raw but he has the height (and they can't chop his arms these days) he also (from all reports) has good hands and a fairly reliable kick. Can you imagine the panic of opo coaches if they have to find anyone to compete with a 209cm marking target in our forward line. I do agree with all of you that are going to jump in and tell me that he is to raw to drift back into defence. So if that is the need I agree he is not the answer.

 

[mattys123]

It won't be Keefe, he has the rucking ability of Blair or Ugle.

Originally I'm sure the club was thinking about having Cam Wood in the side most weeks, and maybe using Jolly up forward to make sure he was 100% right by finals time, but with Wood injured and forced to have a delayed start to the season, one man has come to mind;

CHRIS DAWES.

Anyone who saw the St Kilda practice match last week would have straight away thought that Dawes has the ability to make his mark in the "Leigh Brown role".

I'd go as far to say it is the one area we will actually improve upon, after all Leeroy didn't do a lot really in terms of possessions and/or goals, while Dawes is capable of averaging 15 possessions and more then a goal a game.

Dawes gets first crack IMO, the only other option would be Ceglar, and I think he also needs more time to develop before coming a permanent member of our 22.

 

[TradeDraft]

Jarad Witts if we are just looking for Ruck who can go forward but if we need someone to go into defence as well, he is not yet up to it. I know he is raw but he has the height (and they can't chop his arms these days) he also (from all reports) has good hands and a fairly reliable kick. Can you imagine the panic of opo coaches if they have to find anyone to compete with a 209cm marking target in our forward line. I do agree with all of you that are going to jump in and tell me that he is to raw to drift back into defence. So if that is the need I agree he is not the answer.

Doubt Witts play this year as he is still very Raw,

Reckon Ceglar might be given a Chance during the Season.

But going by the Pre-Season I say Dawes gets 1st Crack but Is it a Good Idea that I don't know

 

[Ed D]

Depends on whether you need a Leigh Brown type I guess. Even the actual Leigh Brown only played that role for 1 and a half years and then only well for that first half year in 2010.

Where are the other team's Leigh Brown types? Natanui is not really the same sort of player although handy up forward, but who are the others? Yes, Kruezer shows promise but not proven yet.

In our own backyard, I agree Wood is a pure ruckman and not really a capable forward. Both Ceglar and Witts look to be capable in the forward line but neither are ready yet for the big time, although both show much promise.

I'm just saying I'm not sure it's a real role, or at least one that many clubs cover (well at least).

I agree. The "Leigh Brown" role was created because we didn't have genuine ruckmen and to suit our structures and playing list. The club should again look to what suits the current structures and playing list, not simply look for a replacement. Play to the strengths of the list and don't throw in a player who won't make an impact.

So who is the Leigh Brown replacement? Nobody.

 

[Wooljay]

CHRIS DAWES.

Anyone who saw the St Kilda practice match last week would have straight away thought that Dawes has the ability to make his mark in the "Leigh Brown role".

I'd go as far to say it is the one area we will actually improve upon, after all Leeroy didn't do a lot really in terms of possessions and/or goals, while Dawes is capable of averaging 15 possessions and more then a goal a game.

Dawes gets first crack IMO, the only other option would be Ceglar, and I think he also needs more time to develop before coming a permanent member of our 22.

This excites me a great deal. He's like a young improved Leroy (in terms of skills). Wouldn't mind him channelling some of Leroy's rage as well

 

[MagpieJoel]

I also automatically thought I've Dawes for this role. He is ideal IMO.

We need to be careful to leave Trav the focus of attention down forward, but hopefully Jackson Paine can play a role there.

 

[MarkT2]

For the umpteenth time we do not need to replace Leigh Brown. What we need is a second ruckman that can play forward or a good forward to take a second ruck role. Leigh Brown was an ordinary forward and a poor ruckman. He did have a very good close to 2010 and played a part in a rare modern day Collingwood flag so he will always have my respect and gratitude. He wasn't actually a quality player IMO.

Dawes is a better forward and probably similarl capable ruck option. If we go with Dawes then a 3rd tall forward would be handy - or a mid sized marking option. Personaly I think Medhurst is more a loss now in that regard.

If we don't want to use Dawes in the ruck then we need a ruckman than can be a danger up forward. I don't know that we have that yet.

My preferred option is to play Cameron Wood for the first half of the season and give him his chance. In that time we make a call on whether he will make it. If not than Dawes should be used in the ruck and ocassionally Cloke who in fact can ruck but is very valuable in his current role.

 

[Tbone McGraw]

It is a massive year for cam this year. In a perfect world, cam turns into a quality afl ruck and jolly plays 2nd ruck forward. If this happens we go extremely close close to the flag this year.

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

If Keefe had developed further than he has he'd be PERFECT.

204cm (taller than Jolly) but more agile and mobile than both Jolly and Brown and can play both ends of the ground.

On paper, Keefe is the prototype for the perfect weapon in football, almost a super utility.

 

[MarkT2]

On paper, Keefe is the prototype for the perfect weapon in football, almost a super utility.

Go back 12 years and swap Keefe for Fraser.
Keefe is a mile away from it.

 

[Taco]

Go back 12 years and swap Keefe for Fraser.

And take away about three quarters of the skill and ability (as a ruckman at least). Josh Fraser was slight and fragile, but he was an immensely talented junior ruckman and even an immensely talented AFL footballer. It didn't all come together, but you only need to look at the GF when he kicked four to see how unfair that comparison is.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

There is no "Leigh Brown replacement"

The real question is who is our second ruck.

For 2012 I will stick with Wood, preseason injury notwithstanding.

Ceglar and Witts are waiting in the wings. Dawes can give a chop-out but at this stage of his career remains a specialist kpp and vital decoy for Cloke. Keefe I dont think will make the grade.....coming from Qld and a soccer background can only cut it as an excuse for so long. We already have one experiment wasting space (the big American) and I think two list spots on blue sky ruck possibilities is over investing. Three if you include Ceglar who also from a non football background.

 

[Swooper18]

Dawes will give Jolls a chop-out in the ruck. He also told me that Paine will play.

 

[mattys123]

Dawes will give Jolls a chop-out in the ruck. He also told me that Paine will play.

BRING THE PAINE.

 

[bucksisbest]

I would say Ceglar at this stage. He can ruck and has strong hands forward.

People need to get over Keefe as a ruckman, it's backline or bust for him.

 

[TradeDraft]

Dawes will give Jolls a chop-out in the ruck. He also told me that Paine will play.

Who told you that?

 

[Heater39]

I think we should play both Wood and Jolly in the team. Ceglar and Witts are not physically ready yet and Dawes is more valuable as a full time forward imo.

 

[5150]

BRING THE PAINE.

I spoke with Clubber Lang, he said this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1TxiVhrkZA

 

[Daicosssssssssss]

Hi All,

Leigh Brown Replacement is someone that is aggressive towards the game, as what Leroy was when he was playing.

Dawes to me is to match of a gentleman in the game.

well that is my opinion, I guess I wont get to many people agreeing.

 

[DermiesLuvChild]

Hi All,

Leigh Brown Replacement is someone that is aggressive towards the game, as what Leroy was when he was playing.

Dawes to me is to match of a gentleman in the game.

well that is my opinion, I guess I wont get to many people agreeing.

I agree....although I use the K9 comparison.....
Leigh was a heinz variety with a bit of mongrel in him.
Dawes is a pedigree, well groomed golden retriever (polite, well disciplined & obedient).

Although they have one thing in common......they are both Collingwood Premiership players....proving it takes all kinds to sew the seeds for a premiership.

Wood is the man to be 2nd ruck this year.

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

"Bring the PAINE!"

Would be a great catch cry if Jackson can make it as a footballer.

So awesome. I'm loving being able to scream "Tarrant time!!" again at the footy, missed that a lot.