Soldo vs Balta for 2nd ruck spot: Leppitsch

[one-eyed]

Saturday's clash with Hawthorn will be revealing in determining who replaces Grigg as the second ruckman.

Athletic forward Noah Balta shot into contention with a superb performance against the Demons and is battling with the more traditional ruck option Ivan Soldo for a spot.

"It depends what type you want – do you want a more around-the-ground player plus a second ruck, or just a flat-out ruck?" Leppitsch said.

"We're a bit confused on that one still ourselves, so this week will probably tell the story."

Source: AFL website

[Diocletian]

Balta every day of the week and twice on Sundays....then Chol, then CCJ, then Moore, then Miller, then Slomo...

[cub]

Noah Balta - Come on down

[Slipper]

I only worry we are asking too much of Balta so early in his career.

Even as a second ruck, he will have to go against some much bigger stronger and more physically mature bodies.

If we need a second ruck, go with Soldo and accept the lack of versatility.

Play Balta for sure, but give the kid time to adjust to the tempo of real AFL games, not meaningless practice games.

[Rampsation]

Callum Coleman Jones is the answer here. He only needs to ruck for 5 or 6 minutes a quarter to give Nankeris a chop out.

[yandb]

Against WC and Melbourne I would play Soldo for the rest I would play Balta.

[Diocletian]

WC & Melbourne both hoping our coaches agree....

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Against WC and Melbourne I would play Soldo for the rest I would play Balta.

Agree with a horses for courses approach. I would play 2 rucks vs Magpies and depending on the team, I’d consider it when the opposition plays 2 rucks. The centre clearance is now too vital to roll the dice on

[tdy]

I wouldn't panic too much we still won't have to win centre clearance count to win the game. It's the out of bounds rule that steamrolls us home in the 4th quarter due to our endurance. That hasn't changed

[Assange Tiger 😎]

there's a new out of bounds rule...?

[Andyy]

Balta at second ruck.

Soldo as first ruck if Nankervis gets hurt/if we wanna rest him, with Balta second again.

[Damo]

Balta doing well

[mightytiges]

Balta still inconsistent drifting in and out of games which isn't unexpected as he is still a young tall. However, when he's on he can do a fair bit of damage in the space of 5 minutes. More mobile than Soldo too so compliments Nank.

[Diocletian]

Watched him closely tonight -well as closely as you can on television- might not have starred but was still crucial and had an influence....his work in the guts kick started the comeback and it's clear Hawthorn rated him and put some work into him over the week....he goes hard crashes packs and brings the ball down and even when he made the mistake -like every second key forward of the past decade has of getting in Riewoldt's way ,  he still managed to interfere with the defenders to the benefit Jack instead of the other way around as usually happened....even if Lynch is ready, he simply has to play round one....Lynch can't and shouldn't be rucking yet for a start....

Slomo on the other hand.....