If Tippett really is a likely inclusion from Round 2 or 3, maybe the plan is to put a ruckman permanently at full forward for a couple of rounds so as to simulate the long term structure.
Without Tippett or Goodes our marking forwards are Reid and Rohan, so the two-ruck option seems inevitable. LRT will go down back which makes Derrickx the most likely.
Without Kurt Tippett the Swans need to play a back-up Ruckman to support Pyke. Pyke can't ruck all minutes by himself. LRT is a back up ruck option, but the Giants will play three huge key forwards (Boyd, Cameron and Patten) and LRT needs to take one of those.
In the forward line Sam Reid and Lance Franklin don't have Jesse White's ability to contribute some time in the Ruck!
The only option you have available then is one of Tom D, Toby N and Naismith. Tom D with his mature body, desire to succeed and greater experince will be ahead of the others to be played as a back up Ruck.
Mike Pyke resting in the goal square will be dangerous, as Rohan, Franklin and Sam Reid can play up the ground very effectivly.
With Tippett's injuries I would not risk him as the number two ruck man. You don't put the Roller in to the demolition derby.
Early in the season, I think LRT needs to be the number 2 to Pyke against shorter / weaker teams where we match up well with height in the backline. Against the better, taller teams, bring in the 2nd ruck (Tom D, Toby etc).
I think Sammy is going to kill it early in the season and Horse will be reluctant to send him back.
This is an interesting conundrum. It is pretty clear that TD does not have a mortgage on the number 2 spot. Toby shows a lot of promise , is skilled and can kick goals, its only his age and inexperience that counts against him. Its similar with Sam but he is taller and seems to have a positive impact in the centre circle. I'm tipping an upset and predict that one of Toby or Sam take the spot.
We have them where we want them, everything is going according to plan!
Sam has wooed me. But i still think Dedrickx will get the nod this time around. Knackers is behind them both at this stage,
Sam Naismith is still to be promed off the Rookie List, so he can't play seniors unless they promote him.
Like the idea of LRT being seconnd ruck when he is not needed in the backline, but I don't think you can play a forward line of LRT, Tippett, Franklin and Sam Reid. It would be too top heavy!
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