Position 2021: Ruck Discussion
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I've seen a lot of people saying that Flynn will score a '50' against Grundy & Gawn but does anyone actually have the avg scores that a ruck scores against these guys over the last couple of seasons?
I had a quick look last night at Grundy and it wasn't all that grim. A few of the really bottom tier rucks struggled but some solid scores by some of the other guys.
I had a quick look last night at Grundy and it wasn't all that grim. A few of the really bottom tier rucks struggled but some solid scores by some of the other guys.
The Flynn at R2 discussion is entirely about contingency.
If Flynn plays 8 games and averages anything over 60, you've won and every point over that is just gravy. Even if he scores in the 50s, you're fine. He really just needs to be playing and not scoring 30s consistently!
The problem is if Flynn doesn't play for whatever reason. If there are other rookies who look set to play, then they could cover. McEvoy is the obvious other cover choice to me but the problem with him is you have to lock in Biggie from the first game and couldn't take another rookie ruck if they were named or you need to trade him in when Flynn misses that could derail upgrade plans/cost you a cow and effectively undermine all the value. It's a shame that Biggie is the only D/R option. You might end up losing another valuable cash cow for cover you don't even need, although everyone is probably missing him at least.
The difference with Flynn to any other rookies (non-rucks) is the pure amount of contingencies. If 123k rookie at other position isn't playing you move him to the bench and get on with things, if it's your R2, you panic or pray.
If Marshall was fit, there would be no discussion here, you'd just lock him in at F2 and Flynn at R2 and hope you don't start the right one of Grawndy!
If Flynn plays 8 games and averages anything over 60, you've won and every point over that is just gravy. Even if he scores in the 50s, you're fine. He really just needs to be playing and not scoring 30s consistently!
The problem is if Flynn doesn't play for whatever reason. If there are other rookies who look set to play, then they could cover. McEvoy is the obvious other cover choice to me but the problem with him is you have to lock in Biggie from the first game and couldn't take another rookie ruck if they were named or you need to trade him in when Flynn misses that could derail upgrade plans/cost you a cow and effectively undermine all the value. It's a shame that Biggie is the only D/R option. You might end up losing another valuable cash cow for cover you don't even need, although everyone is probably missing him at least.
The difference with Flynn to any other rookies (non-rucks) is the pure amount of contingencies. If 123k rookie at other position isn't playing you move him to the bench and get on with things, if it's your R2, you panic or pray.
If Marshall was fit, there would be no discussion here, you'd just lock him in at F2 and Flynn at R2 and hope you don't start the right one of Grawndy!
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perhaps not so much against Grundy but they don't excell, against Gawn, I remeber tracking for half a year and everyone laid dogs droppings except McEvoy (and Grundy) and even he only got 85 or so. The gladiator battle only went a touch over 200 combined that time.
You can switch McEvoy mid trade without a D/R link player. And lets face it, we're trading most weeks. I do recall doing this with the original Mid/Ruc, Mark Blicavs back in the day when 3rd man up was still a thing (and many other times brining in other players via DPP links, which I'm sure you've done).
You can switch McEvoy mid trade without a D/R link player. And lets face it, we're trading most weeks. I do recall doing this with the original Mid/Ruc, Mark Blicavs back in the day when 3rd man up was still a thing (and many other times brining in other players via DPP links, which I'm sure you've done).
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The problem with relying on McEvoy as cover is the DEF rookie options are already pretty thin on the ground so if you're forced to trade out Flynn and swing McEvoy to R2, you still need to find a player to trade into DEF and if Flynn has made little or no money at that point, you could be hamstrung. Also you're then stuck with McEvoy at R2. Sure you could move him back at some point by upgrading a defender to your desired premo ruck, but it feels like a scenario where you're going to bleed points in the interim.
I agree it gives you another option and therefore flexibility but I'm not sure it's worth all the positional wrangling.
I agree it gives you another option and therefore flexibility but I'm not sure it's worth all the positional wrangling.
A really good point, you might be covering a ruck donut with a back donut 
Theoretically I guess you could go with Laird in the mids to cover this issue up but it's an awful lot of sacrifice and contingency planning just to start a rookie.
I think you really just roll the dice on the play if you're doing it and bare that risk. FWIW I think Flynn is really only at risk of injury right now, they seem pretty committed to giving him a go but that's still a very real issue. Would hate to have to dump say Dangerfield in the forwards because a rookie get's hurt.
Theoretically I guess you could go with Laird in the mids to cover this issue up but it's an awful lot of sacrifice and contingency planning just to start a rookie.
I think you really just roll the dice on the play if you're doing it and bare that risk. FWIW I think Flynn is really only at risk of injury right now, they seem pretty committed to giving him a go but that's still a very real issue. Would hate to have to dump say Dangerfield in the forwards because a rookie get's hurt.
What even is a fit Darcy? Hard to see how a guy who took 14 weeks to play himself into WAFL shape last season is going to have gone well from a month off his feet in the lead up to round one. I rate Darcy as a prospect but his feverish love for hamburgers and beers and obvious hatred for any form of cardio has been a major problem and if Meek were to play round 1 and play well I reckon that's all the incentive the coaching staff would need to try and light a fire under that enormous ass of his! Darcy is hardly on that Gawn or Grundy level of walking back in, he's more in the Nank category of if the backup plays well you're gonna have to earn that spot back.
I know some people rated him highly as a mobile ruck when he played for Redlands in the NEAFL and thought the Lions should draft him. Not sure how his state league form's been since Adelaide picked him up. As an alternative to Flynn I'd say absolutely not. His best chance at a good run of games would have to be a Ryder injury or McKernan playing the first couple of rounds and doing absolutely nothing (90% chance of that happening, 10% he plays a blinder and secures his spot for a while).
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Ok so Round 1 Ryder & McKernan/Hunter
Marshall returns so more than likely Ryder & Marshall
If you think Hunter is playing ahead of both Ryder & Marshall then he could be a genius starting pick
Flynn gets dropped for Briggs (D/F) we suddenly have a rookie defender
Much rather start a clubs # 1 ruck than a 3rd or 4th in line
Marshall returns so more than likely Ryder & Marshall
If you think Hunter is playing ahead of both Ryder & Marshall then he could be a genius starting pick
Flynn gets dropped for Briggs (D/F) we suddenly have a rookie defender
Much rather start a clubs # 1 ruck than a 3rd or 4th in line
Any WA folk out there with the mail on when Darcy will be back for Freo?
https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/vide...dal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1614667504001
I really like the look of Meek here understanding that it's a highlight reel and all.
https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/vide...dal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1614667504001
I really like the look of Meek here understanding that it's a highlight reel and all.