Originally Posted by
Ludwig
I don't think we can apply last year's view on how we play the ruck to the upcoming season. We were the last contender playing 2 ruckmen. I would think the disastrous performance of Sinclair in the Semi Final will seal the fate of that antiquated structure.
Perhaps persistent injuries are the greatest impediment to Naismith solidifying his spot as the clear #1 ruckman. But after 5 years it's time for Sam to stay fit and develop an all around game. He is our best tap ruckman, but it may not be enough. It really depends on the alternatives. Tippett probably wins the job on talent, but it's not looking good from a fitness standpoint. Sinclair is improving and provides a more balanced game than Naismith, but is it good enough to be top dog? And then there's Darcy Cameron, who has shown strength in both the ruck and up forward at lower levels. Can he do it in the AFL?
I'm suggesting that there may not be a spot for Naismith in 2019 unless he can nail down the 1st ruckman spot because we simply have too many ruckmen and he's the one out of contract. There's only so many we can rotate between the NEAFL and the Injury List.
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