So, you're basing your entire argument on an example from a decade and a half ago, when we had different ruck rules, and different interchange rules.
Besides that, it is a foolish point. Are you discussing a world in which Rehn doesn't exist? Then I have to assume we'd have drafted a relatively reasonable replacement, but it's hard to know because it's a completely fictional world. Are you discussing a world in which he gets a late injury - kind of like when Mark Ricciuto was injured and it completely derailed our 2006 finals campaign?
In any event - we would have replaced Rehn with Pittman, and we would have won the flag. Rehn was tremendous throughout the season, but we would have found his grand final performances form someone else.
But you're changing the argument to suit your purposes. Which is fine, except it is a different argument. My point was that ruckmen are completely overrated in the modern game. Make the argument that I'm wrong. And don't try the "they gave your midfield first go at the ball", when we watch game after game of sides roving off opposition ruckmen, and maybe 20% of hitouts actually going to advantage. If I had an 80% failure rate in my job, I'd be sacked.
I think it is fair to say the real winner of this competition will only be known at seasons end. How can we judge teams when you think a ruckman is overrated and I think they are the most influential player on the ground, who is usally involved in 50 plus contests a game?





