The Great Ruck Debate.

[kruddler]

I think a lot of fans viewed GWS at home as a danger game much like the Swans are hard yakka at the SCG and its unlikely we would beat either if both were having reasonable seasons.
GWS match up well and have players who can counter our best so the result was no real surprise and no need to panic and drop half the team.
The ruck debate is an easy one for me...horses for courses, Briggs and Riccardi only required one specialist ruck and some relief workers in McKay and Kennedy. TDK was ok around the ground but Briggs had a day out and that can happen vs any team and I wouldnt be rushing Pittonet back in unless TDK is carrying an injury or too sore to play 100 mins.

Yep.

Personally, i'd give TDK the week off. Just like i would've given Kennedy the week off.

At this time of year, with our injury list as small as it is, THIS is when you rest players and get them right. No point running players into the ground and not giving their body a chance to recover right before you start playing the most important games of the year - finals.

I am especially worried about TDK and keeping him fit because he appears to be a bit of an 'orchid' - needs perfect conditions to thrive.
That is, his athleticism is his strong point. His weakness is his body and consistency. We can't really carry a half-fit TDK in the same way we can carry a half fit Pittonet. Pitto doesn't need to run, jump, dodge. He is a push and shove guy who wants contact and wants to bruise you. If he is hurt, that doesn't really change the way he plays. He is by no means bullet proof and cops his injuries as well. But, if both rucks did an ankle, or copped a whack on the knee....or a corky....who would be more effected by that?

Its not an easy decision, TDKs best is very good. His worst is terrible. Whereabouts on that rollercoaster he is on any given week you can only hope to understand. Pitto probably won't reach the highs of TDK, but he probably won't sink to the lows either. More 'even' performances week to week. More consistent.

Which one you pick may change depending on how risk averse you are.