In the past with R3, R4 I've tried to have a bench ruck from the same side as either R1 or R2.
I was able to do this with Goldstein/Currie in 2013, with Currie not playing a game - but the consolation was that Goldstein didn't miss any.
Never the less the insurance was there as Currie was 24yo and had already spent five years on Sydney’s list and another season in the SANFL before being drafted by Nth Melbourne. He was definitely considered to be the senior ruck if Goldstein got injured.
This situation is rare where such a ready made ruckman is cheaply priced and can provide a realistic bench cover at R3 for a premo from the same side at R1 or R2. The stars really do have to align.
Usually the cheapie ruck isn't anywhere near being the replacement ruck, or the Premium ruck is not a viable choice.
What I'm considering for this year is something I have never dared to do before.
The circumstances are brought about because of;
(a) The ruck bench being reduced to one.
(b) The perceived lack of rookie rucks who will play and provide adequate cover.
(c) The uncertainty of modified ruck scoring and consequently the value of investing in elite ruck premiums for my starting side.
(d) The uncertainty of modified scoring leading me to only want the fewest possible rucks, three.
(e) The many possible rookies, value picks and Fwd/Mid premos available in the forward line, making the prospect of having a Ruck taking up a spot (at least in my starting side) undesirable.
My proposed Ruck set up is R1 Naitanui, R2 Lycett(R/F), R3 Sinclair(R/F).
This costs me the same as Goldstein, Naitanui, Read(R/F).
(In fact it's $1,500 less)
The obvious drawbacks are Lycett's scores v Goldstein's scores, and the $267,400 of Sinclair just sitting on the bench.
The main positive is that Sinclair at R3 would be a ready made emergency cover for
both my R1 and R2.
As I said, it's something I'm considering, a proposed idea, nothing set in stone, just putting it out there.