2009 ruck combo?

[one-eyed]

Paraphasing from aflinsider.net...

There is no more important position than the ruck, and following are some of the options that clubs have to fill that position in 2009.

Richmond - Troy Simmonds and Adam Pattison

Simmonds and Pattison probably share the ruck duties, they also have the big body of Graham, Putt who can play as a forward as well as in the ruck, and recent draftee Tyrone Vickery.


Is that adequate for us for next year?

[Chuck17]

Dont know about "no more important position" but in regards to adequacy it all depends on Simmonds and his ability to carry the large majority of the ruck work all year.

If Simmonds can carry the majority then no problems but if another ruckman is required to step up due to Simmonds going down then we are in trouble.  Patto, IMO is only useful in the ruck to rest Simmonds, Graham needs to step up big time before he is considered ruck material and Putt/Vickery I dont think we will see in the ruck in 2009 due to their need for development.

I think we are exposed in this area until Putt/Vickery or whoever develop into A grade ruckmen.

 

[Stripes]

I agree Chuck. In 2007 when Simmo went down we quickly found out how important he was to our structure particularly when Knobel joined him on the injury list. Patto fills a hole. He was never drafted as a full time ruckman, infact I believe he was touted as our next CHF.

Gus is the key this year. We need him to step into the 2nd ruckman duties. He certainly has the height but he just needs the strength and skill which is developing. I hope he can move past Patto because if Simmo does slow down and retire sooner rather than later we will be exposed all over again. Having Gus ready will allow the likes of Putt and Vickery two or three years to mature and be ready for the 2nd ruckman role when Gus is promoted to 1st ruck.

Sounds good but things rarely go as planned as we all know by now.

Stripes

[Judge Roughneck]

I do not really want Gus in the side. It is good he is large unit and is learning to tap the ball, but he is a very poor footballer around the ground. At least Patto is mobile and will give a contest.

By the end of the season can you have Simmonds / Pattison / Vickery in the same side? One ruckman too many? Alot of big units on the field if u include richo.

[torch]

'09 - '10 - Simmonds/Pattison

'11 - '21 - Pattison/Vickery

'22 - '27 - Vickery/Putt/Graham

[yellowandback]

Rucks for next year, same as this year BUT add Putt/Gus and Vickery as the 3rd ruck/key possie forward pinch hit.