06-29-2024, 07:47 AM
(06-29-2024, 07:34 AM)Thryleon link Wrote:our lack of leg speed is a bigger issue than the ruck combo is a big point, but my next question is interesting.
If we play a shock value ruck for longer how well does that work? Like you've stated it comes back to the mean right? My recollection of playing jack in the ruck was the more it happened the worse it looked over time.
That's not to say don't do it, but as we play two rucks how would that look over time? Better worse same? Depends on the bigger picture. Players available, not. Etc. Harry wasn't kicking as well last year as he does this year. Would that change the debate entirely just by him improving?
Perhaps.
There's a bit to unpack there.
Firstly, leg speed is part of the equation in limiting your talls. Again, this is in relation to our side, nobody else. As good and fast as TDK is, he can not compete with sn extra mid/half forward that would take the other spot in the 22. Obviously, all are quicker than TDK.
Jack (or anyone else) is only a part time solution to take 20% of the ruck load. The main benefit of Jack (or anyone else) doing that role is that they are already in the side doing a primary role. It also assists with ground ball work around the ground by comparison to a ruck.
The other side of this tactic is this. Both Jack (before his injury) and Harry earlier this year found form by being freed up to have a run around in the middle. Go back and look through the early games pre/in/post-game threads and you'll see many contributed Harrys return to form to playing backup ruck.
This tactic could work in any game someone is being beaten and gives Vossy a different lever to pull on match day.
Even Charlie has an 'out' to get himself into the game by going and playing in the backline whenever he sees fit.
Playing backup ruck is Harrys out.