04-12-2016, 07:04 AM
(04-12-2016, 04:29 AM)LP link Wrote:Firstly, those stats are a little ambiguous. I think the stats can be misleading because they don't break it down into clubs playing two rucks, one ruck or only part-time rucks. For example I think the Bulldogs would be very happy with young Roughead's almost solo efforts(They are very reluctant to use Boyd in the ruck.).
Check out the Ruck stats linked at Final Siren.
Then as you point out you have to take into which rucks spend time as forwards which reduces opportunity in the center.
I'm not questioning SpecialK's ability, I agree with you regarding the forward vs ruck issue, but I cannot state that he is in great form either. Given we have bonified 2nd, 3rd and maybe even 4th ruck options to give him chop outs he should be thriving. I'd expect him to dominate when he gets the chance but he is just competitive at best.
That is my analysis of the hitout stats LP and I had to compromise a little because teams have different ruck structures as you point out. However, there's generally a big gap between the number of hitouts won by the second stringer and the occasional ruckman (often third man up). Geelong's figures are probably a little misleading because they have several "ruckmen" but none have won all that many hitouts.
The Bulldogs may very well be happy with Roughead's solo efforts in averaging 23 hitouts per game. That has him at 14 in the hitout rankings, one ahead of Kreuzer who is averaging 21.3 hitouts while sharing the duties with Phillips.
I'd certainly like to see Kreuzer imposing himself a little more about the ground. I'd also like to see him repeatedly reproduce his brilliant hitout to Kerridge for a goal and his left foot snap for a goal; two of the best individual plays I've seen so far this season.
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