Why the Tigers' twin ruck option should roll on in 2020By Ed Jackson
AAP
28 Jan 2020RICHMOND big man Ivan Soldo sees no reason why the Tigers should abandon playing two ruckman in 2020.
Soldo combined with fellow tall Toby Nankervis as the Tigers claimed last year's Toyota AFL premiership.
After debuting in 2017, the ex-soccer player enjoyed a breakout 2019 campaign.
Soldo played 14 games and his form meant when Nankervis came back into the side for the qualifying final against Brisbane, the 23-year-old was still part of Damien Hardwick's matchday 22.
The pair would combine throughout the finals, ending in an 89-point demolition of Greater Western Sydney in the decider.
Although Nankervis is still in rehab after having off-season groin surgery, Soldo is eager to renew their partnership when the 2020 campaign gets underway.
"With the 6-6-6 ... it's pretty demanding on the bodies for a ruckman so to have a chop out definitely helps," Soldo said from Richmond's pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast.
"We've found that having the two rucks really made us dominant in the VFL, so why not let it happen in the AFL? Last year it definitely worked."
Soldo himself is still coming to terms with his annus mirabilis which culminated in a premiership medallion after a Grand Final display which included five marks, 22 hitouts, 17 disposals and a goal in the third quarter.
"Personally I just enjoyed that year. Winning a Grand Final is pretty unreal," he said.
"I guess game-to-game you get more confidence which helps but nothing will ever change with the way I train and I approach it.
"Maybe leading into next year, I hope to play more games as well but, once again, it's up to Dimma (Hardwick) to play me."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/367848/why-the-tigers-twin-ruck-option-should-roll-on-in-2020