Prediction Round 12 Changes vs Brisbane

[swanny1234]

A fit Darcy over Cox any day of the week......

That's the issue though, the last 3 years can't get big Sean on the Park for a good run at it. Always takes him a month of Footy to get going too, so need him back by around Round 18 to get him firing ready for finals.

People forget how good and important he is. Having him as second fiddle to Dogga will 100% make us a better team.

Not discounting that Cox is a handy fill in.

Sean is a better pure ruckman, but that isn't the question I'm asking - it's who complements Jackson better? I think Cox does, as Darcy takes more ruck time and CBA's off LJ than Cox does.

 

[Tbonefreo]

As it was pointed out a few days ago, McVee is only 22 years old.

He will settle.

 

[anchor man]

Sean is a better pure ruckman, but that isn't the question I'm asking - it's who complements Jackson better? I think Cox does, as Darcy takes more ruck time and CBA's off LJ than Cox does.

Darcy in his last game spent about 38% of time in the ruck. But also like with Cox, allowed Jackson to play mid. It works out just who is the better fit. Darcy, for me was, is and for a long time will be the best option.

 

[ubiquitous226]

The question shouldn't be is Darcy a better ruck than Cox, that answer is clearly yes, the question is who complements Jackson the best and allows LJ to be the matchwinner we know he is? My answer to that, off the evidence i've seen so far this year, is Mason Cox.

It's about who can improve the team most, and have the most impact, not just who is better in the ruck.

I have no issues with Darcy playing ~50% TOG, with 20% of that in the forward line.
While Cox is a little better up there, there hasn't been as much difference as I expected.

My answer to your same question is Darcy, if he's fit enough.

 

[Wizard]

Brisbane will come out breathing fire. They always turn it up vs the teams around the top 4. No exception.

Just have to be fast and clean.

Zorko coming back really is an issue. Never really been able to stop him from half back

Yeah, i don't love getting them off the back of that performance yesterday.

 

[swanny1234]

Darcy in his last game spent about 38% of time in the ruck. But also like with Cox, allowed Jackson to play mid. It works out just who is the better fit. Darcy, for me was, is and for a long time will be the best option.

I don't like Jackson as a midfielder, he is a ruckman, and will be the AA ruckman for the next 4-5 years assuming he stays fit, has taken the mantle off Gawn as the best ruck in the game, and should play most of his time in the ruck. He's the number guy in there, period.
Whoever out of Cox and Darcy that play, is quite simply a number 2 that should spend about 30% of time in the ruck.

 

[swanny1234]

It's about who can improve the team most, and have the most impact, not just who is better in the ruck.

I have no issues with Darcy playing ~50% TOG, with 20% of that in the forward line.
While Cox is a little better up there, there hasn't been as much difference as I expected.

My answer to your same question is Darcy, if he's fit enough.

And that's fair, we just ultimately disagree there, I don't think Darcy adds anything to the forward line, Darcy for mine is either in the ruck or on the bench, and that just doesn't work when Jackson is doing what he is doing in there. You certainly would never consider playing Darcy and Cox together if LJ got injured for example.

Imo, i'd be sticking with exactly what is working right now, with Darcy being a break glass in case of emergency option provided he's fit.

 

[Big Animal]

Thought the pressure applied from Switta Friday night was pretty good actually. Don't see him getting dropped.

yeah, I think the speed we have in our forward line atm is really assisitng to make goals happen off the ground. It's the back line that worries me. Other than Clark, it looks very slow. I would like to see some pace injected into that line. Just one extra speedster would be useful. Having one option to run it out will get shut down come finals time.

 

[Taylor]

With any luck, Mason Cox

18

Mason Cox

Age

35

Ht

211cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.7

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

3.5

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

1.2

4star

D

6.0

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.3

2star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.0

4star

D

9.0

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.8

5star

will take about 10 marks forward and on the wing, kicking four goals from set shots in the week that Sean Darcy

4

Sean Darcy

Age

27

Ht

203cm

Wt

111kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.1

3star

K

3.4

1star

HB

6.6

4star

CL

2.4

4star

HO

28.8

5star

D

6.8

1star

K

2.0

1star

HB

4.8

3star

CL

1.8

4star

HO

20.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

6.8

5star

CL

2.6

5star

HO

32.0

5star

is coming fit to play.

Mason is definitely a position that can be upgraded in the side, he's competitive but getting hands to the ball can become marks - I do think Darcy in form takes better marks than Mason currently.

 

[ubiquitous226]

And that's fair, we just ultimately disagree there, I don't think Darcy adds anything to the forward line, Darcy for mine is either in the ruck or on the bench, and that just doesn't work when Jackson is doing what he is doing in there. You certainly would never consider playing Darcy and Cox together if LJ got injured for example.

Imo, i'd be sticking with exactly what is working right now, with Darcy being a break glass in case of emergency option provided he's fit.

Hopefully we don't have to see, not entirely sure they wouldn't give the Darcy/Cox combo a crack ala Hawthorn's Meek/Reeves though.

I also have no issues if Cox continues to play, I just personally see the opportunity to continue to improve if Darcy gets back to fitness.
Cox has been more than serviceable, and a bit above my expectations, very happy with the decision to bring him in and it will be interesting how our list decisions look in the ruck from here.

At the end of the day if Jackson was out for a medium to long period you wouldn't want to be relying on Cox, but does the longer term option include Darcy? Probably depends on the club's view of Darcy's outlook injury wise.

 

[Alfonz]

If Darcy was back to peak form/fitness, it is a no brainer to go with him. But are we ever going to get anywhere close to that? Cox himself is a bit below where he used to be because he seems to drop more marks than he used to. But overall, I think the 2026 Cox has been better for our team than the 2026 Darcy. The extra height/reach of Cox is quite useful.

I'm happy to bring Darcy back if he can demonstrate he can run out full games and dominate at WAFL level. Until then, I'd stick with Cox. I'd be putting Darcy on a programme (running and WAFL) with the aim to have him ready for the Swans/Grundy match which is a bit over 7 weeks away.

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

And that's fair, we just ultimately disagree there, I don't think Darcy adds anything to the forward line, Darcy for mine is either in the ruck or on the bench, and that just doesn't work when Jackson is doing what he is doing in there. You certainly would never consider playing Darcy and Cox together if LJ got injured for example.

Imo, i'd be sticking with exactly what is working right now, with Darcy being a break glass in case of emergency option provided he's fit.

I agree that Jackson is top priority, however, Darcy has to come back in for Cox once fit, he can just play the same role. Cox has been fine but he seems to have a lost a bit on his marking and I think it's gotten worse the more games (and I assume more tired at 35) he's gotten. He brings it to ground at least but Darcy can offer that while being a bit more selfless on blocks if he sits forward.

Given Darcy has better ruck craft full stop, I think the decision becomes easy. He does however need a few weeks at Peel to show he can run out games and I want him playing like 75% gametime minimum each of those weeks at Peel

 

[anchor man]

I don't like Jackson as a midfielder, he is a ruckman, and will be the AA ruckman for the next 4-5 years assuming he stays fit, has taken the mantle off Gawn as the best ruck in the game, and should play most of his time in the ruck. He's the number guy in there, period.
Whoever out of Cox and Darcy that play, is quite simply a number 2 that should spend about 30% of time in the ruck.

They have used Jackson as a mid atvtimes this season and last. And I am sure they will again.
Darcy is far and away our best assistant for Jacko.

 

[ubiquitous226]

I agree that Jackson is top priority, however, Darcy has to come back in for Cox once fit, he can just play the same role. Cox has been fine but he seems to have a lost a bit on his marking and I think it's gotten worse the more games (and I assume more tired at 35) he's gotten. He brings it to ground at least but Darcy can off that while being a bit more selfless on blocks if he sits forward.

Given Darcy has better ruck craft full stop, I think the decision becomes easy. He does however need a few weeks at Peel to show he can run out games and I want him playing like 75% gametime minimum each of those weeks at Peel

Yeah and there was an article in the West which basically says the same thing.
Darcy has to be fit, which should include playing some games at WAFL to build and demonstrate it.

There's no world he should be coming in unless he's demonstrated that, or there has been injuries.

 

[Mags98]

I agree that Jackson is top priority, however, Darcy has to come back in for Cox once fit, he can just play the same role. Cox has been fine but he seems to have a lost a bit on his marking and I think it's gotten worse the more games (and I assume more tired at 35) he's gotten. He brings it to ground at least but Darcy can off that while being a bit more selfless on blocks if he sits forward.

Given Darcy has better ruck craft full stop, I think the decision becomes easy. He does however need a few weeks at Peel to show he can run out games and I want him playing like 75% gametime minimum each of those weeks at Peel

can he? very disappointed by darcys marking/contest work this season to be honest

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

can he? very disappointed by darcys marking/contest work this season to be honest

Has he not a had a few a lead/mark/goal instances this year? I thought he'd been fine in aerial contests. No different to Cox anyway

 

[Mags98]

Has he not a had a few a lead/mark/goal instances this year? I thought he'd been fine in aerial contests. No different to Cox anyway

my view of his season had been that he failed to impact a lot of marking contests, marked a few but would otherwise be uncompetitve. when cox came in i thought, even if he wasnt marking it, he was at least getting a hadn to it and palming it to our crumbers.

could be off base though

 

[mattis117]

Watching this weekends games, Dogga is gonna give Draper an absolute bath around the ground ... hope he brings a spare towell and rubber duck

Draper is an absolute crab. Losing McInerny and replacing with Draper is the biggest downgrade in history.

I'm consistent in how I'm assessing Brisbane. Their form line rings true and their DNA is real. They have lost critical players, some of their stars are off their best (McLuggage, Ashcroft), and the rules changes have exposed a weakness (speed) in their squad. They are also lacking in the most important position in 2026; ruck.

 

[mattis117]

Anyone wanting Darcy over Cox, check yourselves - we've absolutely looked a better team without Sean in it - Sean needs 4-5 weeks build in the WAFL before we even consider him as an option, and even then, structurally I don't think he fits.

LJ is our absolutely undisputed number 1 ruck - it's about how we best support him/give him a chop out. Cox does this well.

What is this post even? No one is saying bring Darcy in, so disingenuous to begin with.

Every single person is saying the same thing - send Darcy to WAFL to find form. Once he finds it, bring him back because he is clearly the better ruck WHEN FIT AND IN FORM.

The way that I would play it is that Jackson does all CBAs with Sean starting forward or on bench. Once play settles into structure, rotate Darcy on ball for Jackson's rest periods, Jackson is either forward or bench. Jacksons essentially the best CBA ruck in the comp, so Darcy shouldn't be doing much of that. Darcy is, however, an excellent ruck around the ground where he can engage in a wrestle.

Darcy must be used sparingly and wisely with the main aim to hold the oppo at bay while Jackson gets his rest periods in. Obviously it is impossible to ensure Jackson is at every CBA due to rapid goals in succession, but the plan should be maximisation of CBA for Jackson.

 

[Paracleet]

What is this post even? No one is saying bring Darcy in, so disingenuous to begin with.

Every single person is saying the same thing - send Darcy to WAFL to find form. Once he finds it, bring him back because he is clearly the better ruck WHEN FIT AND IN FORM.

No. That's not we are all saying. Not only do we want Darcy in this week (even if still injured) we want him to stop at Swanny's house on the way to the airport and leave a brown paper bag with his own poo in it, on fire, on his front door step...

 

[Taylor]

Statistically;

Mason Cox

18

Mason Cox

Age

35

Ht

211cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.7

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

3.5

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

1.2

4star

D

6.0

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.3

2star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.0

4star

D

9.0

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.8

5star

averages 4 hitouts to advantage from 55% win rate for 2.5 score involvements per game, to Darcy's 4.8 hitouts to advantage from 52% win rate for 3.4 score involvements per game.

I think Sean Darcy

4

Sean Darcy

Age

27

Ht

203cm

Wt

111kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.1

3star

K

3.4

1star

HB

6.6

4star

CL

2.4

4star

HO

28.8

5star

D

6.8

1star

K

2.0

1star

HB

4.8

3star

CL

1.8

4star

HO

20.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

6.8

5star

CL

2.6

5star

HO

32.0

5star

is a much greater weapon in a forward fifty stoppage than Cox, I've seen Darcy have those taps straight to one of our smalls for a goal but never seen Cox do it. Cox's weapons are reaching in to spoil a mark, but he often loses his feet in it.

 

[mattis117]

No. That's not we are all saying. Not only do we want Darcy in this week (even if still injured) we want him to stop at Swanny's house on the way to the airport and leave a brown paper bag with his own poo in it, on fire, on his front door step...

It's quite hilarious when you agree with someone and then they argue their point back at you again, and you're like what? I just said I agree with you?

 

[swanny1234]

Hopefully we don't have to see, not entirely sure they wouldn't give the Darcy/Cox combo a crack ala Hawthorn's Meek/Reeves though.

I also have no issues if Cox continues to play, I just personally see the opportunity to continue to improve if Darcy gets back to fitness.
Cox has been more than serviceable, and a bit above my expectations, very happy with the decision to bring him in and it will be interesting how our list decisions look in the ruck from here.

At the end of the day if Jackson was out for a medium to long period you wouldn't want to be relying on Cox, but does the longer term option include Darcy? Probably depends on the club's view of Darcy's outlook injury wise.

If Jackson was to miss a significant period, this is where having Darcy fit and available would be a good option. I think the Darcy/Cox combo is simply too slow and cumbersome for modern footy. 2 rucks only seem to work when one is an LJ, TDK type. I don't think the Hawks Meek/Reeves combo really works, they played Chol in there for periods on Thursday.

If in a worst case scenario Jackson was injured, yes I'd pick Darcy over Cox as a solo ruck, but to complement Jackson i'd stick with Cox. Horses for courses would be my approach, and I see Darcy as a main ruckman or out of the side. Good depth if we need it this year, but longer term i'd be seeing what I could get for him on the market.

 

[swanny1234]

What is this post even? No one is saying bring Darcy in, so disingenuous to begin with.

Every single person is saying the same thing - send Darcy to WAFL to find form. Once he finds it, bring him back because he is clearly the better ruck WHEN FIT AND IN FORM.

The way that I would play it is that Jackson does all CBAs with Sean starting forward or on bench. Once play settles into structure, rotate Darcy on ball for Jackson's rest periods, Jackson is either forward or bench. Jacksons essentially the best CBA ruck in the comp, so Darcy shouldn't be doing much of that. Darcy is, however, an excellent ruck around the ground where he can engage in a wrestle.

Darcy must be used sparingly and wisely with the main aim to hold the oppo at bay while Jackson gets his rest periods in. Obviously it is impossible to ensure Jackson is at every CBA due to rapid goals in succession, but the plan should be maximisation of CBA for Jackson.

I think you've missed my point, I agree Darcy is a better pure ruckman than Cox, but I strongly believe Cox's skillset complements Jackson better than Darcy's does, and that is what i'm suggesting here.

So, no, even if he got fit I wouldn't be picking Darcy in front of Cox, unless Jackson somehow got injured and we needed a replacement number 1 ruck to carry the bulk of the CBA's.

 

[anchor man]

A thing that is not being spoken about the big bullying frame of Darcy. His physicality at contests wears out not only the opposition ruck, but also stops the opposition mids from dominating. He hurts their body around contests.
That is my opinion any way.