I tend to agree with what some of the others have said, that if you come in with a "value" R1 you are probably looking at 4 trades to upgrade your R1 and R2. I think it's best if you start with 1 Ruck that has at least the potential to be a keeper, and fill the R1 or R2 position, so that you might at least potentially save yourself a trade or two.
Right now my own structure is waivering between Lobbe and Leuey, and Lobbe, Sandi and Hickey. I think anyone taking Sandi or HMac definitley needs to have cover and/or a contingency plan. I think the idea of taking both Sandi and Hmac is just too much risk. You nearly need to have cover for both, and that compromises your whole structure.
I'm interested that so many people that have suggested a R1, Sandi, back up Ruck at R3 structure have gone for Longer. In fact, I've hardly seen anyone suggest Hickey for R3, apart from myself, all the other Coaches that have gone for cover, have lumped for Longer. I'm not sure I understand this. I understand the bit about Longer being $34,200 cheaper, but the way I see it is this. St Kilda "let" McEvoy go well before they secured Longer. They would only do that, if they were satisfied the current back up (Hickey) was at a stage he could do a more than reasonable job of taking over from McEvoy. They couldn't rely on what they might be able to trade to, or draft down the track. It means to me, they have confidence in Hickey to do the job, and Longer was brought in as back up. The Coaches planning on starting Longer at R3 will most likely be forced into re-jigging their teams, if/when he is not selected in round 1.
I think it might be crazy to start two value Rucks at R1 and R2, but that comes down to what your definition of "value Rucks" is. I can see upside in both Lobbe and Leuey. Some people here will call them both value picks, some will just call the higher Midpriced selections. I'm happy with either definition.
Some might ask, why not Lobbe and Hickey then? While I am happy Hickey, is well placed and well priced, I am worried about the points I'll give up early, if I start him at R2. If I have him at R3 I will loophole him with R1 and R2 through King (Melb) leading up to the byes, then upgrade him.
Yes, as you can see from above, I'm having the same dilemma.
I'm still undecided which way to jump. I think Goldy is a better pick than Minson, but I am concerned about starting too many players at top price, so I won't be going Goldy.
broges has the right idea, I think. History has shown the better Rucks tend to show themselves by rounds 7 or 8, and go on with job. Rather spend top dollar on Goldy/Minson, and risk losing $100k each on 2 side trades to the 2 Rucks that look like being the "ones" in 2014, I'd rather get a few points at value, until we can assess it properly.
Having said all of this, and responding to broges, if NicNat looks good, I'm throwing all those plans out the window, and building my Rucks around him.
I'm glad you're liking your
RAMP tool. It can be a bit much to take in at first, when you start comparing expected price drops/rises, and trying to work out which players to take now, and which ones are best to take later (SJ looks like a gem of an upgrade just after mid season!

), but once you get used to it, it's pretty good. Of course, my opinion is very biased!