SYDNEY big man Kurt Tippett isn't sure where he sits on the AFL's decision to ban the 'third man up' at ruck contests, but admits it does give him more peace of mind.
The League announced the rule change over summer, banning any player outside of the nominated ruckman from initially contesting a ball-up or boundary throw-in.
The change was introduced partly with player safety in mind, and Tippett knows first-hand how vulnerable ruckmen could be at contests.
The 29-year-old had his jaw broken in two places by Callan Ward, when he copped an accidental knee from the Giants' 'third man up' specialist during last year's qualifying final at ANZ Stadium, and missed the Swans' semi-final win over Adelaide the following week.
Tippett told AFL.com.au that although it was the only serious injury he'd had from such an incident, the new rule was a confidence booster for ruckmen.
"I think it is for sure," he said.
"That was just a bit of a freak thing to happen. I was off balance and Callan (Ward) came through as he often did.
"There was obviously no intent (to cause an injury), it was just something that happens in football."
Tippett believes the rule will change the landscape of ruck work across the League and provide more opportunities for big men to stamp their influence on the result of games.
"It will definitely put more emphasis on the ruck craft," he said.
"When you think about how many stoppages there are in a game, something like 90-odd every week, it's a pretty important contest.
"If nobody else can influence them, you gain plenty of ascendancy if you are winning those battles.
"Limiting that 'third man up' means guys are potentially going to get more creative and try to give their team the advantage.
"I think the new rule definitely places more onus on the ruckman, especially late in games, because teams used to employ the 'third man up' to get the ball moving in tight situations if they needed to score quickly.
"The ruckman is going to be really important and we're going to have to execute our plans well."
Days before the 2017 season opener, Tippett is still unsure where he'll start the game against Port Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday, but there's little doubt he'll spend plenty of time in the ruck, and he's excited to start the season with some genuine one-on-one battles.
"It narrows down the contest, it's just between you and your opponent," he said.
"Personally I enjoy the challenge of going one-on-one with someone - it's always good because every ruckman brings something different and they come in all shapes and sizes.
"To be able to work someone out each time you come up against them, it's always a great challenge for me."
