Position 2021: Ruck Discussion
- Thread starter THCLT
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Yeah the missed marks were a little annoying - there must have been at least 6 during the course of the game that I saw. Sometimes it was due to poor disposal from a team mate and other times he just seemed to misjudge the carry and it would sail a fraction out of reach. A fully in form Grundy probably would've got at least 4 more of those missed marks. But all up encouraging signs.
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Think the game will start to slow down and the dominant rucks will shine once again. Teams will adjust and learn how to shut down the space and force kicks to contests. Collingwood did it last night. As the season goes on and players tire it'll slow down even more. Can't have a whole season played like it was in Round 1.
After what I saw last night I'm happy on the Gawndy train.
After what I saw last night I'm happy on the Gawndy train.
That seems to be the common assumption. I've thought the same thing, however I'm starting to wonder if that's nothing more than baseless speculation. That may happen, but we know what is happening- ruck scoring is down due to lack of opportunity.
Grundy and Gawn scoring 130s against one of the worst established rucks in the league and a state leaguer who appears to struggle to run out more than a half doesn't change that. One way of looking at it is that's two 150-160 scores down the drain already. If things remain as they are, these 130 scores could be closer to the ceiling than previously, and the numerous huge scores G+G normally produce could become extremely rare. All sorts of options are still in play.
Grundy and Gawn scoring 130s against one of the worst established rucks in the league and a state leaguer who appears to struggle to run out more than a half doesn't change that. One way of looking at it is that's two 150-160 scores down the drain already. If things remain as they are, these 130 scores could be closer to the ceiling than previously, and the numerous huge scores G+G normally produce could become extremely rare. All sorts of options are still in play.
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In last night's Melbourne vs. St.Kilda game, under the roof at Marvel, there were 69 combined hitouts. The only game last week to have more combined hitouts was the slog in the wet in the GWS/Saints game. There have been 60 or more ruck contests in every game so far this weekend. Only 5/9 games hit the 60 hitout mark last week.
To my eye, the game has definitely tightened up this week compared to last. Teams are blocking the space better and there are more kicks to contests causing more stoppages. Gawn and Grundy may not be as dominant as they've been in recent years due to the rule changes but they'll still be #1 and #2, they'll still be must-haves, and they're still two of the best captain options. People got lucky with Flynn in Round 1 - he had basically the perfect conditions to score well (vs. debutant, wet conditions, close game and lots of scaling) - but it'll be interesting to see what the next 3-4 weeks looks like for non-Gawndy owners.
To my eye, the game has definitely tightened up this week compared to last. Teams are blocking the space better and there are more kicks to contests causing more stoppages. Gawn and Grundy may not be as dominant as they've been in recent years due to the rule changes but they'll still be #1 and #2, they'll still be must-haves, and they're still two of the best captain options. People got lucky with Flynn in Round 1 - he had basically the perfect conditions to score well (vs. debutant, wet conditions, close game and lots of scaling) - but it'll be interesting to see what the next 3-4 weeks looks like for non-Gawndy owners.
I'm not prepared to make that call yet. Feels a bit reactive to just jump all over the place depending on how well Grawndy score from week to week, bearing in mind that Gawn only scored in the acceptable range for his price. Other ruck tons this round- Stanley vs injured or no opponent, Lycett vs no opponent, Witts in the worst game of the year so far.
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1 M.Gawn $751k 137
2 B.Grundy $648k 135
Back to normal
2 B.Grundy $648k 135
Back to normal
The problem with Gawn/Grundy/Flynn is Flynn is never on field and is scoring better than my other rookies, with the exception of Gulden and Campbell. Highmore, Gulden, Campbell, Berry, Warner seem to be OK on field, but not sure about any others.
I think I'm ready to accept defeat and do a re-strucure.
