GREAT’S ADVICE TO YOUNG RUCKMANWith both Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo sidelined, it was on Samson Ryan to shoulder the ruckload for Richmond.
And Ryan, just like in his other seven games this season, had some bright moments on Saturday, albeit against another inexperienced ruckman in West Coast’s Bailey Williams.
However four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis called for Ryan to be more creative with his ruck craft during periods when he got first touch on the ball.
“They (Richmond) haven’t got a dominant ruckman, so the pattern you have to establish is (Ryan) is hitting towards his right hip, which is the defensive side for Richmond,” Lewis said on Fox Footy.
“I think the challenge for Ryan is to understand you’re only a young ruckman, but when there is dominance in that area, be a little bit more adventurous with your taps.
“Then work with your midfielders to be more aggressive around stoppages.”
Richmond’s injury woes — particularly to its ruck stocks — have clearly hampered the club this season despite providing invaluable experience to Ryan.
But Lewis implored the youngster to “mix it up” in the ruck so his hit-outs are more challenging for the opposition to read.
Lewis said Ryan was “absolutely” too predictable throughout stages of the game that would’ve been easy for the Eagles midfielders to read.
“Absolutely (it’s been too predictable),” the Hawthorn legend added.
“If you’re an experienced midfielder, when (you’re against) undersized ruckman, the easiest way to get a clearance is to read off the opposition ruckman.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-2023-richmond-tigers-vs-west-coast-eagles-round-8-live-scores-updates-stats-video-stream-result-news-blog/news-story/83e446c0c2ee8c986f6fe729e5cefb40
