Do ruck numbers point to Tigers' big problem?Josh Schonafinger
afl.com.au
Sep 24, 2018 12:35PMESSENDON champion Matthew Lloyd believes Richmond must change its ruck set-up in 2019, saying Toby Nankervis was “monstered” by Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy.
Grundy recorded 56 hit outs, an all-time record in a final, dominating Nankervis (24 hit outs) and the 190cm Shaun Grigg (two hit outs).
“It’s not only about Grigg never playing ruck again, but I think Nankervis, if they’re fair dinkum, isn’t the number one ruckman next year.”
“They need to find a gun ruckman because I think he gets monstered by the greats.”
Against the league’s biggest and best ruckmen, Nankervis’ stoppage impact is affected.
Nankervis in 2018 AFL Ratings Points Hit outs Hit outs to advantage ClearancesAverage against Grundy,
Gawn, Martin, Sandilands 12.8 17.2 4.7 4.0
Season average 19.1 25.0 7.4 3.4
From six matches against Grundy, Melbourne’s Max Gawn, Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands and Brisbane’s Stefan Martin this season, Nankervis’ hit out average drops, but his clearance numbers are unaffected.
Nankervis also sees a big drop in his Schick AFL Player Ratings average against the premier ruckmen.
Collingwood won the clearances 45-37 and generated 60 points from clearances Friday night. Richmond conversely, only managed eight points directly from stoppages.
“They scored 10 goals from stoppages on the weekend, Collingwood,” Lloyd said.
“That’s unforgivable in a final for Nankervis and the midfielders.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-24/ruck-numbers-say-tigers-have-a-big-problem