I've long thought this but I've usually been in a very small minority.
I think now at the twilight of Naitanui's career this is a pertinent discussion (and my opinion is less divisive).
Dean Cox is credited with reinventing the ruck position. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant as I don't think the type of ruck typified by Cox is the ideal.
Instead I think Naitanui is the prototype of the perfect ruckman. Naitanui has a finesse with his taps that is unparalleled in modern football. While Cox was no slouch in this area and was, at times, sublime, Naitanui's sustained brilliance in this regard (with a lesser midfield) is something to behold. The disparity between the exquisite nature of Naitanui's taps in the last two weeks and say Brodie Grundy who had 23 hit-outs to advantage on Thursday but a rather sedated impact on the game is telling.
Then there is Naitanui's clearance work. He bullies opponents around the contest. Not only does this result in many clearances directly to Naitanui, it also opens up space for his teammates to clear the ball. Both Sheed and Kelly have been the recipients of this work (along with his taps) over the first three weeks of the season. Dean Cox was a decent clearance ruckman in his time, but he was ordinarily not needed to provide this service because of the players at his feet.
Then there is his aerial prowess. This is generally considered a weakness for Naitanui (notwithstanding some unbelievable grabs pre-injury) and Cox was very good (and important) in taking uncontested link up marks down the wings. Plus he was known for falling down back to shore up our defence at vital times in close games. Having said this most of us have seen Naitanui's ability to halve contests and refuse to get beaten, even if he doesn't win the marking contest outright. Often this will result in a West Coast player streaming from the back flank or wing position. Otherwise a bounce or throw in ensues. I think very few players in the AFL have the ability to halve a contest like Naitanui does.
Also as a final uncompelling argument I've never seen Naitanui do any windmilling, which became an unsatisfactory attribute of Cox's later career.
Initially the disparity between Cox and Naitanui's accolades was substantial.
After all Cox finished his career with six All-Australians (one or two may be controversial, looking at you 2012) and a B&F.
However, as time goes on Naitanui has whittled away these differences (how much weight you should put on any of them is contentious).
Naitanui now has two All-Australians (and was decidedly unlucky in 2015) and a B&F.
More than all the above I think Nic has become the heart and soul of our club.
Early on he was directly responsible for a number of wins (the games against Hawthorn, North and GWS come to mind).
But now win, lose or draw he is at the forefront of willing our team over the line (see last week).
While Cox was part of the leadership structure I never felt like the drive was from him. I always felt that it was Cousins or Judd who willed us into games (or to winning games).
When Naitanui lifts the whole team lifts. He was one of two vital players in a game against St Kilda. In the final against Collingwood he was the only player who seemed not be playing within himself and almost shell shocked from the outset.
He is a goliath amongst men. He has overcome ridiculous odds to even compete again let alone be the best in the business. This may be considered an outlandish statement but I do not believe that we will ever see a player of his ilk in our lifetime.
Whether we win another premiership during his playing days or not I consider it the greatest privilege as a supporter to watch him go out, rest on his haunches and menacingly prowl the centre bounce like a caged lion. He epitomises the club and what I love about football.
I think now at the twilight of Naitanui's career this is a pertinent discussion (and my opinion is less divisive).
Dean Cox is credited with reinventing the ruck position. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant as I don't think the type of ruck typified by Cox is the ideal.
Instead I think Naitanui is the prototype of the perfect ruckman. Naitanui has a finesse with his taps that is unparalleled in modern football. While Cox was no slouch in this area and was, at times, sublime, Naitanui's sustained brilliance in this regard (with a lesser midfield) is something to behold. The disparity between the exquisite nature of Naitanui's taps in the last two weeks and say Brodie Grundy who had 23 hit-outs to advantage on Thursday but a rather sedated impact on the game is telling.
Then there is Naitanui's clearance work. He bullies opponents around the contest. Not only does this result in many clearances directly to Naitanui, it also opens up space for his teammates to clear the ball. Both Sheed and Kelly have been the recipients of this work (along with his taps) over the first three weeks of the season. Dean Cox was a decent clearance ruckman in his time, but he was ordinarily not needed to provide this service because of the players at his feet.
Then there is his aerial prowess. This is generally considered a weakness for Naitanui (notwithstanding some unbelievable grabs pre-injury) and Cox was very good (and important) in taking uncontested link up marks down the wings. Plus he was known for falling down back to shore up our defence at vital times in close games. Having said this most of us have seen Naitanui's ability to halve contests and refuse to get beaten, even if he doesn't win the marking contest outright. Often this will result in a West Coast player streaming from the back flank or wing position. Otherwise a bounce or throw in ensues. I think very few players in the AFL have the ability to halve a contest like Naitanui does.
Also as a final uncompelling argument I've never seen Naitanui do any windmilling, which became an unsatisfactory attribute of Cox's later career.
Initially the disparity between Cox and Naitanui's accolades was substantial.
After all Cox finished his career with six All-Australians (one or two may be controversial, looking at you 2012) and a B&F.
However, as time goes on Naitanui has whittled away these differences (how much weight you should put on any of them is contentious).
Naitanui now has two All-Australians (and was decidedly unlucky in 2015) and a B&F.
More than all the above I think Nic has become the heart and soul of our club.
Early on he was directly responsible for a number of wins (the games against Hawthorn, North and GWS come to mind).
But now win, lose or draw he is at the forefront of willing our team over the line (see last week).
While Cox was part of the leadership structure I never felt like the drive was from him. I always felt that it was Cousins or Judd who willed us into games (or to winning games).
When Naitanui lifts the whole team lifts. He was one of two vital players in a game against St Kilda. In the final against Collingwood he was the only player who seemed not be playing within himself and almost shell shocked from the outset.
He is a goliath amongst men. He has overcome ridiculous odds to even compete again let alone be the best in the business. This may be considered an outlandish statement but I do not believe that we will ever see a player of his ilk in our lifetime.
Whether we win another premiership during his playing days or not I consider it the greatest privilege as a supporter to watch him go out, rest on his haunches and menacingly prowl the centre bounce like a caged lion. He epitomises the club and what I love about football.
