Allen will no longer be rucking - Simmo stated that, way too valuable as our main young key fwd for the next decade.
In the past we have played Darling/ JK/ Allen in the fwds along with NN & Williams as 2nd ruck/ fwd (part of rotations).
JK was very close to not playing last week v pies but played because of our lack of options, we are getting players back now so expect him to be rested often especially on away trips.
Dixon is competing with Bailey Williams & Luke Strnadica - 2 of those 3 play each week for the next 12 weeks NN is out. Jack Williams is the other ruck/fwd on the list but is nowhere near ready as evidenced by his 1 possession game v North in round 2 - very skinny/ raw.
Dixon is ahead of Strnadica & B Williams as the 2nd ruck resting fwd as has played key fwd most of his career/ only added the rucking recently. His fwd craft has been solid, Simmo even stated in the practice game v Freo he was our best player. Presents well/ hits the packs hard with strong hands. Worked hard on his fitness which was the knock on him when on Freo’s list.
What has been a huge pleasant surprise was his ground level work when playing in the ruck. He was huge in the last quarter v pies, was a real factor in why we won.
In summary, I see B Williams & Strnadica competing for the lead ruck role with Dixon clearly ahead of all others having the back up ruck/ key fwd - he is far better/ more accomplished playing key fwd than Strnadica & B Williams so is the ideal 2nd ruck.
WCE as a team have traditionally played tall (often too tall in my opinion) Simmo’s argument being Darling & JK are very athletic for their size, obviously JK is slowing down with his age but Darling still has that athletic ability.
Personally see Dixon getting plenty of games if he continues to maintain his current form.
