Sandilands and Riewoldt.
With all this talk of Ruck dramas, I am really surprised at the lack of love for Sandi thus far. Is it because we got him cheap last season, but not this season? He still has the best record of any of the current playing Rucks.
Riewoldt has the draw to go bang, just like he did last season when he averaged 140+ in StK's wins. I'm not sure if I will have the balls to follow though, but I'm hoping to ride him for 5 to 7 rounds, then do nearly a straight swap to a fallen Premium Mid.
I think the reason for not starting Sandi would have to be a number of points;
1. People thought picking him last year was a little risky due to age and being injury prone, seeing as it paid off, they feel they dodged a bullet and aren't prepared to jump into the firing range again when this time the cost is a double barrel shotgun should it fail?
2. Rucks are due to drop in value, you need a 33.333*% HOTA in order to maintain your average which from the limited data I can find says Sam Jacobs has the highest HOTA of any reliable ruckman which is anywhere from 30 - 33% depending on what website you quote. That means if he does the same last year he will score the same or a few % less next year. Sandi has about a 25% HOTA and as his hit out count is quite high, it will be a fair drop in ppg. At best around 5 ppg... combine this with his injury concerns from point 1 and you have to question his selection.
3. Value in injury rucks - Lots of cons here that we all know and lots of pro's but still the Burg, Cruise, TBC and Nic Nat all feature not to mention the theoretical under-priced Minson, Maric and Goldy?
Combine those 3 points and Sandi is a serious POD with little upside you would imagine and seemingly massive downside compared with other selections?
Roo boy could be a great choice but only perhaps as a F5 or F6 as it would be hard to go passed proven scorers like Del and Goddard and bargain picks such as Swan and Titch?
Risks must be taken but I am taking them in the back line this year and going safe options else where I think. Could be wrong though, Roo is a decent pick at that price due to the start and could give you a leg up?
* Just read that Sandi was 2nd in the league with 29% HOTA... while that is great for Sandi, it makes you question any other premium?