The rise.... and RISE of Marc Pittonet

[kruddler]

Something doesn't add up. The players in this conversation are Pittonet, De Koning, Jack Silvagni, and arguably Lewis Young. Pittonet signed a four year deal, De Koning has a contract in front of him from us, as well as suitors such as Geelong, Sydney and St Kilda, all offering what is supposedly good money. If he's not that great, then why the interest ? Have Stephen Wells and Kinnear Beatson suddenly lost their mojo ? If Jack Silvagni or Lewis Young can do as good or a better job, then why are we and other clubs even bothering with De Koning ?

Team Balance.

Not sure how many times i need to say the same thing before it starts to sink in.

People (read LP) think this is about some kind of favouritism towards Jack Silvagni. Which is spin and deflection and clouding his own judgement. Ignore Jack from this debate.

The reason we as a team don't require a dedicated 2nd ruck is because of a couple things.
1. Our #1 rucks ability is elite in terms of ruckwork and can ruck a full game (80-90%) with minimal help.
2. Our team is very top heavy with a-grade talent (key forwards and key back(s)), we also have some taller '3rd tall' types at both ends. Too much tall talent
3. Our options for 2nd ruck (be that TDK, Mirkov or whoever) can not play another position effectively....and must be 'carried' or benched.

Would i play TDK if Harry got injured? Absolutely.
Would i play TDK if Pittonet stopped performing? Absolutely.
Would i play TDK if we had an extended interchange bench? Absolutely.

Now.....would i play TDK if i was another team who didn't have the same team dynamics as us? Absolutely.

I said it in the pre-season and have stood by it all year. Based on team balance, we cannot afford a 2nd ruck who cannot play another position (or is providing the output TDK is while playing another position).

If i was another club like the ones being mentioned, i would absolutely trade for TDK.

Put simply, he is a luxury for us that we cannot afford.