AFL Rd 2 2023 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong

[kruddler]

That's probably where it gets a bit confusing.
If we only play one of our main ruckmen  Jack takes the position of second ruck.
But Jack's not a ruckman. That's not his position.
But he can play multiple roles.
In some respects his versatility counts against him.

We have taller bigger players at both ends who would probably provide a better ruck contest than Jack but we can't afford that luxury for specialist players.
So Jack's the sacrificial lamb when we play one ruck.

When Pittonet played I thought ,good...Jack can play more his natural role. But he didn't really shine.

Jack's one of my favourite players, because he always gives 100%
I'd have him in my team most weeks.

I said before he seems a bit out of sorts, but that's only speculation on my part.
He may have a bit on his mind. His dad copped a hammering in the press last week. It's hard for a son to ignore that criticism especially when his 100th game was at the core of the issue.

So it boils down to this.
If we play two rucks, and we probably should (Pittonet ,especially needs game time), it's not TDK or Pitto that Jack's competing with...it's other players.
Was he injured on Thursday?
The match report suggests not.
If not,then it was decided that he offered the least in value at that point of the game, with that opposition.
With others pushing for selection that puts him in the danger zone.
If not Jack, then who goes out?
We may not make any changes.
There may be a specific role for Jack against GWS.
Selection this week will be interesting.

I've gone on about the 2 rucks plenty of times, so i'll give my short version.

Play 2 rucks and Silvagni and we see the TOG% we saw on Thursday - 1 of them take up a spot on the bench for the entire game
Play 1 ruck + Silvagni and it allows us to play an extra small, more rotations for all.
Play 2 rucks and no silvagni and you lose a bit of firepower/pressure up forward....resting ruck forward is a good theory, but we don't get much out of those 2.

My preference....
Pitto and SOS. Pitto play 80% of the ruck. SOS gives him a chop out but plays mainly down forward. It simply gives us more run through the middle, while not sacrificing up forward.

As for who should come out.....i'd prefer a ruck.
I think Cowan could be up for a rest.
Also think we might want to potentially lose a small forward as we are carrying 3, plus fisher.

In short, nobody DESERVES to be dropped, so you pick a team that helps you win the game. Don't go too tall, too small, too injured etc.