2018 Rd 7: Pre Game Paranoia: Carlton vs Adelaide

[crashlander]

I think we can all agree that if Kreuzer had an injury free career he probably would be the best ruckman in the business but he hasn't. In round one he was looking great till he got injured again. As soon as he went off the Tigers had their way with us.

Ask any non Carlton fan who the best ruckman in the AFL is and he won't even get a mention.

Special K certainly is not the best ruck in the competition, but when he is fit and in form he can be one of the most effective. And mbb is right; he doesn't get the kudos he deserves. Even from many Carlton supporters. But his form last year had very few peers. He was beaten maybe three times for the year. He at least broke even against some of best credentialed rucks and he simply thrashed most of them.
He doesn't just compete in the ruck, but he makes clearances. Few rucks do that.

One of the positive things about Phillips so far is that he has been able to at least break even, usually doing better. This has not been the case earlier in his career. Unfortunately he runs out of gas in the second half. Not surprising given his history of injury, but a disappointment all the same.

In the past Kreuzer has been struggling with fitness and has let the ruck become a battle of strength with Jacobs. That has been a mistake which has allowed Sauce to play well against Kreuzer. Get Jacobs to run after Kreuzer and the matter takes on a whole new light.