Prediction This years ruck combo

[DoubleDraw7710]

I've seen many threads about whether to select both Grundy and Witts but this Age article answers it all:

At the very least, the Pies are growing depth - with Grundy, Cox, ruck-forward Jarrod Witts and forward-ruck Darcy Moore. It seems Cox will surpass Grundy in the ruck, and both Witts and Moore can play dual positions. So the real question should be Cox and Witts or Cox and Moore.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...-afl-debut-20160214-gmtsij.html#ixzz4088OFI5h

 

[Vicky Park]

I have just asked a question in the pre-season thread, about whether Cox has surpassed the others as a tap ruckman. Could this really be the case?

 

[DoubleDraw7710]

I have just asked a question in the pre-season thread, about whether Cox has surpassed the others as a tap ruckman. Could this really be the case?

If an Age article and a game against Richmond reserves hasn't convinced you this is already the case what will?

 

[AmellyPies]

I've seen many threads about whether to select both Grundy and Witts but this Age article answers it all:

At the very least, the Pies are growing depth - with Grundy, Cox, ruck-forward Jarrod Witts and forward-ruck Darcy Moore. It seems Cox will surpass Grundy in the ruck, and both Witts and Moore can play dual positions. So the real question should be Cox and Witts or Cox and Moore.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...-afl-debut-20160214-gmtsij.html#ixzz4088OFI5h

Get off the crack.

 

[Vicky Park]

If an Age article and a game against Richmond reserves hasn't convinced you this is already the case what will?

My eyes!

Truly, I am amazed, even though I am a VFL watcher and saw Cox play many games last year. He got better as the year wore on, but to be an AFL standard ruckman...

 

[DoubleDraw7710]

Get off the crack.

Come on mate on crack I would have said Blair not Cox, I've have seen the big Cox soar in the photo what more evidence do I need to say Cox has surpassed Grundy.

 

[DoubleDraw7710]

My eyes!

Truly, I am amazed, even though I am a VFL watcher and saw Cox play many games last year. He got better as the year wore on, but to be an AFL standard ruckman...

I'm sending up the Age puff piece of course and Grundy being named ruck only.

 

[AmellyPies]

Come on mate on crack I would have said Blair not Cox, I've have seen the big Cox soar in the photo what more evidence do I need to say Cox has surpassed Grundy.

Then why didn't Cox play a game last year? Cox played on good game for the season. He's no where near Grundy.

 

[76woodenspooners]

You could probably articulate an argument (or write a puff piece) about how any one of Grundy, Witts or Cox will become the premier ruckman.

It'll probably be the most intriguing aspect of the NAB Challenge - to see the relative position of the three.

Cox was been talked up a lot this off season. Wittsy too. Grundy has just been quietly going about his business.

Let's see what happens when the games get played

 

[Jelly Bean]

I've seen many threads about whether to select both Grundy and Witts but this Age article answers it all:

At the very least, the Pies are growing depth - with Grundy, Cox, ruck-forward Jarrod Witts and forward-ruck Darcy Moore. It seems Cox will surpass Grundy in the ruck, and both Witts and Moore can play dual positions. So the real question should be Cox and Witts or Cox and Moore.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...-afl-debut-20160214-gmtsij.html#ixzz4088OFI5h

I'm not sure if this article answers anything, and certainly don't think that Witts has shown that he can play forward enough to be a 'dual position' player.

I think Cox will end up (probably this year) being our best centre square hitout ruckman, but whether makes it or not will depend on his ability to master the other skills needed.

I've been saying this about Grundy and Witts for a long time, and will say it with Cox as well, but I hope we spend a disproportionate amount of time working on the contested marking ability of all three players (and Darrean makes four) as that skill will determine whether we have a very good ruckman on our hands versus a good or average ruckman.

 

[TradeDraft]

How long since we had a Problem who plays Ruck.

Lot Better then when we had Richards and Bryan as our 2 Rucks(Fraser was Injured)

 

[TradeDraft]

I have just asked a question in the pre-season thread, about whether Cox has surpassed the others as a tap ruckman. Could this really be the case?

As a Tap Ruckman he could but I don't think he will around the Ground

 

[Anzacday]

All I can say is - what a fantastic problem to have.

 

[PicaBoo]

Anything that puts fear in the minds of Richmond deserves a recommendation inho
Cox is a part time ruck. Full stop. That he scored 5 goals in a VFL is irrelevant for first ruck but nice for a fwd position . Grundy and Witts will fight it out for the 1 st ruck and the loser of that has to take on Cox and White for 2nd ruck/ 3rd tall. Providing Cloke and Moore are the 1st 2 talls.
I can also see Cox getting some game time instead of Moore . It is going to be a long season after all.

 

[TheSierBear]

It will be Grundy/Witts in the first half, then Cox will come over the top in the second half of the year and stand tall, in the ruck.

 

[left at home]

lt is a good position we have 2 emerging rucks in witts and grundy, possible one in cox,
and two relieve in white and moore.
depth finally

 

[Bay Pie]

I think both will be played together at some point and given another chance to shine together.

I read somewhere in a thread here, that perhaps they be played as rotating no. 1 rucks off the bench with little time spent forward. Not against exploring that idea. Sorry, I can't recall who proposed it. I'd think they'd only chew up a rotation or 2 a quarter. Could be well spent.

 

[sirlothie]

Cox probably has the best physical attributes of the 3. Grundy is mobile but on the shorter side for the ruckman, Witts is as tall they come but lumbering. Cox is tall and has good agility for his size also.

 

[PicaBoo]

Cox probably has the best physical attributes of the 3. Grundy is mobile but on the shorter side for the ruckman, Witts is as tall they come but lumbering. Cox is tall and has good agility for his size also.

With those traits, wouldn't we be better off with Cox in the fwd line?

 

[sirlothie]

With those traits, wouldn't we be better off with Cox in the fwd line?

Yes. We played him for a full game forward in the 2nds late last year IIRC and he kicked 5 goals. He would be good as a 2nd ruck and geez he would be hard to spoil at his height if he takes it over his head. At 208cm he'd be the biggest full time forward ever so I think he would play some ruck too and should do well because of his massive height and wing span. And he's got a bit of a leap too.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

It's simple really.

Grundy has grunt
Jarryd has his Witts about him
And well Cox is big

 

[mike123]

I reckon Cox and Grundy will be the two at the end of the year. Cox because he's probably the best tap ruckman. Grundy because Cox won't have the tank to ruck on his own and will have to spend time out of the goal square and Grundy is more athletic and a better competitor than Witts.

 

[MagpieBat]

That Richmond game has quickly taken on a 'big fish that dad caught' status.

The reality is, he played a good final quarter in a game where we annihilated a bottom 4 Richmond and lead by over 12 goals at three quarter time. And he kicked them on a suburban grade defender with an almost 20cm handicap. His first goal was deep into time on in the third but up until that point, he hadn't troubled the scorers.

I won't deny that it was fun to watch at the ground at the time (because it was!) But a bit of context is important.

I also admit that I'm in the minority when I say (and I expect to get smashed for it) that I'll be shocked if Cox ever plays a senior game...

 

[sirlothie]

That Richmond game has quickly taken on a 'big fish that dad caught' status.

The reality is, he played a good final quarter in a game where we annihilated a bottom 4 Richmond and lead by over 12 goals at three quarter time. And he kicked them on a suburban grade defender with an almost 20cm handicap. His first goal was deep into time on in the third but up until that point, he hadn't troubled the scorers.

I won't deny that it was fun to watch at the ground at the time (because it was!) But a bit of context is important.

I also admit that I'm in the minority when I say (and I expect to get smashed for it) that I'll be shocked if Cox ever plays a senior game...

You know better than anyone else because you have probably seen him more than anyone else. What makes you say he won't make it? He tested off the charts for a man his size, seems to be more athletic and coordinated than Witts...

You don't need to be a great footballer to make an impact when you are 6"11.

 

[sirlothie]

Also as a 210cm or whatever forward, probably you will regularly have 20cm on your defender...