(04-27-2022, 11:30 PM)markncf date Wrote:Before changing the rules, Cripps used to be quite effective as the third man up in ruck contests around the ground. I'm not sure why we have smaller players trying to out muscle larger ruckmen in the ruck. Is there any reason why we can't have our ruckman running in from the side when contesting at stoppages around the ground? If anything it could nullify the effect of the bigger opposition ruckman and lead to an even contest. Of course, if we set up for such a play, it could be advantageous to us.Yes I agree, we discussed this before it's really obvious, and it really doesn't matter what direction they come from there is no rule that says they have to run towards the boundary line other than avoiding front on contact.
This strategy wouldn't be used for centre ruck contests, which TDK should be capable of handling (with some assistance), but around the ground, I think it can help.
Part of the problem is AFL coaches and ruck coaches are mostly inbreed and stick to the same old same old. Another part of the problem is the coaches want to control the space in and under the ruck contest, so they drill and coach players into the close quarters type combat and leave the outside open for a fast breakaway.
Under the current rules is dead-set obvious smaller mobile or high jumping rucks should deliberately stand off the opposition ruck, they can signal they are competing then back off 5m or so and take a serious run at the zone under the fall of the ball, even running in an arc.
If the opposition blocks / shepherds them away from the fall of the ball it's an automatic free, if the opposition ruck follows them it becomes a foot race and the wrestling is partly diminished.
By the same token, if bigger slower rucks are strong enough to stand under the fall of the ball and defend that space they should be allowed to do so, provided they do not shepherd the opponent away from the fall of the ball.
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"