Marshall is the only Ruckman that I am confident on starting. The article below reinforces that.
#12 Most Relevant | Rowan Marshall - Coaches Panel
Monday, February 13, 2023
.............Watching coaches flip-flop on Rowan Marshall in the o***eason was exceptionally fun to spectate. One minute they’re excited to start him due to the absence of Paddy Ryder. The next minute, they’re fading on starting him due to a long-term injury to Max King. Honestly, it’s one of the most bizarre narratives developed in the o***eason. The only similarity between Max’s injury and Rowan himself is that they share the same team. However, they do not, under any circumstance, have any connection to the role that Marshall will play in 2023.
Assuming that the absence of the Saints landmark key position player means Marshall must play as a primary forward shows a general lack of understanding about the Saints list. Beyond Rowan, the only pure ruckman they have on the list is developing Max Heath. If push came to shove and he had to play at the elite level, I’m sure he could, but he’s not pushing Rowan out. Next in line is a few part-timers, Tom Campbell and Jack Hayes. The latter should be the clubs leading relief ruck candidate after overcoming his ACL injury in 2022. Lastly, it’s the new draftee Isaac Keeler. He’s the club’s last-line option in the ruck and will take significant time to develop to be ready for play at the AFL level. Rowan is a lock to be the club’s lead ruck and take the primary share in the #1 role. Others will play a relieving role, but that will be a small percentage clip and not significant enough to rule Marshall out of fantasy football relevance. He is and will be the saints #1 ruckman.
This narrative was squashed by Rowan himself with an interview with channel seven reporter Mitch Cleary. He clearly states within it that he will be the Saints leading ruckman and, more importantly, that he’s stronger and healthier than ever.............