Our ruck IS a problem. Despite a few nice moments, Vardy is rubbish. We've been flogged in the guts all year.
I'd play him. He might help Kennedy not get so mauled as well
Yep, Naitanui changes the whole midfield dynamic for them.
Vardy has been the worst lead ruckman in the league this year in terms of stoppage work, and the Eagles have been behind the 8-ball all year because of it. This is Naitanui's specific strength, not just tap-work, but tackles, clearances, second efforts and bullocking work around the packs, giving the other midfielders greater time and space to do their thing.
One of the first things Luke Shuey mentioned last night in his post-match interview was how Port smashed them in the clearances, and it's not something that will get any easier against a GWS midfield with Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, and Stephen Coniglio, either. If you have the opportunity to not just "create a contest" or "break even", but actually swing things in your favour, why not take it?
If Naitanui is fit to play, and you're not going to play him in a sudden-death must-win, what exactly are you saving him for? What reward will be worth the risk? No final or premiership is worth less than any other. Take a gamble, and do all that you can to put yourself in the best position for glory.