Troy Simmonds best in competition
10 July 2006 Herald-Sun
Damian Barrett
TERRY Wallace says Tiger ruckman Troy Simmonds should be pencilled in as the All-Australian ruckman after he outplayed his main rival for the title on the weekend.
Wallace said he challenged Simmonds in the build-up to Saturday's match against Port Adelaide, telling him he was playing for more than bragging rights in his battle against Brendon Lade.
``I'm not normally big on saying this about my players, but I think he deserves it being said,'' said Wallace of Simmonds' All-Australian claims.
``We set the dual up as the heavyweight rucking title of Australia, and Troy came through it very, very well.
``With flying colours, in fact.''
Simmonds' role was crucial in the Tigers' 38-point win at AAMI Stadium.
The 196cm Tiger had the edge in the hitouts 15-14 and picked up 14 disposals, took seven marks and kicked two goals. Lade's stats were similar but Simmonds' effectiveness was reflected in his 110 ranking points to Lade's 76 (more than 30 below his season average).
``Everyone would love to have a Troy Simmonds running around for them at the moment,'' Wallace said. ``I have said for a month he is the best big man in the competition, as a ruckman.
``Playing on Brendon Lade, who a lot of people had thought was the equal to him during the year, well, he certainly handled the dual magnificently.''
Richmond retained its place in the top eight with a six-goal-to-one second half.
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