Steve Alessio was also on Sport 927's Club corner last night:
* Played against Staff, Knobel and Simmonds so can compare notes and tell them how he played against them and why he did so so they can work on their limitations.
* At training it's a mixture of pure technique with the ruckmen only and working on structure with the midfielders joining in. Gameday sits on the bench and conveys information to the box.
Alessio also gave a summary of each our ruckmen to date. He was very positive describing all of them so don't shoot the messenger about Simmonds
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* Stafford - Interrupted preseason. Came off a low fitness base as a result. Started off season great in a role where he stayed behind Richo in the goalsquare. We didn't need to use him in the ruck with Knobel and Simmonds there. Injury has knocked him around about a bit. Best assest - hardness at centre bounces as Peter Everitt found out.
* Knobel - been fantastic in terms of work ethic and 1%ers. Improving his skills and giving us first use of the ball in the ruck. Best assest - Size and use of his body.
* Simmonds - big solid body and good leap. Mobility good also. Has be good this year moving into the ruck when required and dominating. Andrew Kruse asked whether he should bust open packs more. Alessio said we have him leading further up the ground so there's less of a chance of breaking open packs than when you're closer to goal.
* Pattison - good motor. Endurance will be his major asset in the long run. Shows a strong willingness to learn and question all about ruck techniques. Works hard on the track. Once he adds some more bulk in a couple of years his endurance and mobility for a big bloke will be an asset for the Tigers.
