Strategy The Ruck Conundrum

[scaryness]

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

Just listened to Todd Goldstein discussing the conundrum. He would go with Naismith, making the point about Sam's height. He would have Tippett as the forward ruck in a photo over Sinkers.

All discussants (on SEN) believed we'd go with two talls. I think none of the three will be fully fit, which means we will inevitably take two in. Unfortunately this will have an impact on our mobility and structure up forward as well as our rotations.

Looking ahead to 2018 plus, I think Sam has scope for further development the other two lack. Hopefully we get a trade deal done for Tippett.

 

[GotTheGoodes]

We probably will!

 

[The Swans Blog]

No injuries, so all 3 are fit

 

[BruceFromBalnarring]

I'd say a couple of those averages are affected by early injuries to Tippett in games. Sinclair has an average TOG this year of 75% to Tippett's 64%

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

No injuries, so all 3 are fit

Hope you are correct Mr Chunkster.

 

[BruceFromBalnarring]

I think they certainly have to play the two ruckmen, one of which is Tippett and the other Naismith, this week at least.

Naismith is the only one capable of matching Bellchambers in the middle and clearances will be critical. You can't allow Bellchambers free taps to runners.

But even more, Hurley must be kept accountable. If they want to drop a 7th back to free up Hurley, well fine. That just leaves Rampe free for us. We win that.

But with Tippett deep, and Reid separating, Buddy is a better chance out on his flank. Hurley would have to account for one of them, probably Reid, which allows Buddy a decent crack against Hartley. Hopefully he kicks straight this time.

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

I admire your playbook BfB.

 

[The Swans Blog]

Depending on whether or not Tippett trains tomorrow. Sinclair plays and the last is between Naismith and Tippett.

Tippett plays at FF, Sinclair ruck.
Sinclair plays FF, Naismith ruck.

There's just no way Sinclair gets dropped without injury or an amazing form drop off.

 

[SouthSwans]

Bravo Horse

 

[MF]

Glad to see Sinclair retain his spot. He's been the best of the 3 all year IMO. I'd love to see a fully fit, in form Tippett in the side but his body is too unreliable at the moment. I think they made the right call.

 

[Jewelsbon]

Glad to see Sinclair retain his spot. He's been the best of the 3 all year IMO. I'd love to see a fully fit, in form Tippett in the side but his body is too unreliable at the moment. I think they made the right call.

As I fessed up on another thread, I like Tippett and a fully fit and firing Tips could have been a great bonus for finals, but I reckon you're spot on here, his body is just too unreliable and I'm starting to think we are never going to see him truly fit and firing again

 

[BruceFromBalnarring]

Whilst it wasn't my preferred selection, I'm comfortable enough with it. Sinclair is the better performed between he and Tippett.

I don't think Tippett's done. If he plays a good GF and Sinclair doesn't have a good one I have no doubt they'll be switched.

I'm just glad they're playing 2 rucks.

 

[Punts]

This is a massive issue going forward in my opinion

The teams left are playing 1 ruck and look better
The game is going away from 2 rucks

The thing is Naismith is crap around around so he almost becomes useless

Imo we go with 1 ruck with buddy and Reid forward with a 3rd tall Gunston like

 

[Tuco]

I posted in another thread that GWS looked MORE potent with one ruck.

Truth is we could've played Melican and one of Sinclair or Naismith in those slippery conditions quite easily.

A 2 ruck combo is still required. But it would be great to only roll that out for specific matchups rather than as a default structure week in week out.

 

[Punts]

I don't think 2 rucks are required at all these days

 

[Tuco]

I don't think 2 rucks are required at all these days

The 2nd ruck as a backup structure would really be a fwd/ruc only. Or even just a big bodied forward. Not Doyle parked in the forward line, that's for sure.

 

[Punts]

The 2nd ruck as a backup structure would really be a fwd/ruc only. Or even just a big bodied forward. Not Doyle parked in the forward line, that's for sure.

Towers

 

[swansfan51]

The 2nd ruck as a backup structure would really be a fwd/ruc only. Or even just a big bodied forward. Not Doyle parked in the forward line, that's for sure.

And the 2nd ruck needs to be a genuine forward that can ruck if he has to. Like Ben Brown, Jon Patton, or Joe Daniher who are all extremely high quality forwards.

Not a ruckman who gets stuck up forward to try and compete.

 

[SilentHunter_]

Out of all the bloody holes on our list this is by FAR the biggest one! Bloody hell it is depressing.

 

[Superstar swan]

Cameron is the big unknown, could be very handy as ruck/fwd

 

[Vin Rogue]

Out of all the bloody holes on our list this is by FAR the biggest one! Bloody hell it is depressing.

Spot on. I have no doubt that the Club will be looking for a way to solve our distress. Our need for two ruckmen makes our team weaker. Especially when they both fail.

 

[Kirkswan]

As I fessed up on another thread, I like Tippett and a fully fit and firing Tips could have been a great bonus for finals, but I reckon you're spot on here, his body is just too unreliable and I'm starting to think we are never going to see him truly fit and firing again

Remember Macca, we thought he couldn't come back either... I'm content to wait and see...