06-06-2024, 07:03 AM
(06-06-2024, 04:18 AM)RiverRat link Wrote:I think that this situation is one that MUST be guarded against - especially in an elimination, preliminary or grand final. Therefore, it seems crazy to not formulate (and perfect) ongoing plan/s to play two ruckmen - except when injury intervenes or the opposition represents no serious competitive threat in that area.
Given Pitto's comparative lack of positional options, the logical route would seem to have him take the bulk of the ruckwork early in the game with the option of replacing him with the substitute later in the game or when the need arises.
To maximise TDK's potential impact when Pitto is rucking, we need to experiment with other ways to utilise TDK, e.g. as a tall defender (even Casboult developed into a better than average defender at one stage) or perhaps as a 'Richo-style' wingman.
Your post brought back memories of Bret Thornton trying to ruck against Aaron Sandilands. I don't think I have ever seen a player so obviously want to be somewhere else.
Geelong makes good use of Blicavs in a variety of positions when he's not required in the ruck but he is more agile and athletic than De Koning. The 6-6-6 rule makes it impossible to have an "extra" in any zone without them scurrying back to their assigned position for every centre bounce. While De Koning could be a temporary extra in defence, giving him a set position in defence for even part of the game would weaken what I think has evolved into a pretty good defensive unit. De Koning has shown that he can be effective as a forward and I think that's where he would be of most benefit when not rucking.
It would be good if he could work with Sammy Hamill and our defensive group, just in case.
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?” Oddball