TWEAKS to the ruck rules for season 2019 may mean the big bloke is back in vogue.
Already some clubs are experimenting with two specialist ruckmen in practice matches with success. Is it possible that we've seen the last of the undersized mid competing at throw-ins?
So how is your club placed in the ruck department? Who is your main, who's No.2, do they both play, what happens in an emergency? Check it out.
The main man
Sam Jacobs is one of the best big men in the competition. A niggling back injury hampered the 30-year-old last year, but he's back to full fitness. His tap work to his midfielders is elite and he is also strong overhead.
Next in line
Reilly O'Brien is ready to make his mark. The 23-year-old's only two AFL games were in 2016 when Jacobs was injured. O'Brien missed most of last season with back and shoulder injuries, but has been a standout during pre-season, finishing in the top three in the club's 2km time trial.
Can they play together?
The Crows have preferred to play one specialist ruckman, with key forward Josh Jenkins able to give Jacobs a chop-out in the ruck. O'Brien has been working on improving his forward craft, but his kicking lets him down.
Break glass in case of emergency
Paul Hunter, 26, is about to start his fourth season on the Crows' rookie list and is yet to play a senior game. Kieran Strachan, 23, was a surprise selection in last year's rookie draft, having only played a handful of VFL games.
Danger signs
Is age catching up with Jacobs? He turns 31 in April and has carried a big workload in his 194 games. His 11.8 disposals per game last year – when he carried a back injury for most of the season – was significantly down from 14.4 in 2017.
We say
O'Brien's rise will bring the best out of Jacobs. - Lee Gaskin
STRONGEST MIDFIELDS Every club's engine room ranked
The main man
In the past four years Stefan Martin has been a model of consistency, barely missing a game and among the Lions' best players week in and week out. His mobility around the ground makes him a difficult matchup for opponents, but a slightly disrupted pre-season means his grip on the top job is loosening.
Next in line
Entering his sixth season, Archie Smith is knocking the door down. His fantastic leap means he invariably wins centre bounce hitouts, giving his midfield an extra edge under the new 6-6-6 rules. HIs ruck craft and ability to follow up at ground level are on a rapid ascent.
Can they play together
It's unlikely Martin and Smith could play together as both struggle to contribute when moved forward, but therein lies the value of Oscar McInerney. The lanky Victorian showed last season he was a genuine ruck who could take contested marks and kick goals, meaning he will backup whoever gets the top job.
Break glass in case of emergency
Aside from the three primary candidates, there's no other genuine ruckmen on the list. Josh Walker, Dan McStay and youngster Connor Ballenden could be pitchforked into a backup role if required.
Danger signs
The main question mark over Martin's game is the centre square. Often battling opponents significantly taller, he does well to break even at centre bounces. There are some theories around the Gabba that Smith and McInerney's extra height might provide the midfield with more opportunities under the 6-6-6 rule change.
We say
Big Stef is still the man but on a short leash. - Michael Whiting
The main man
Expect Matthew Kreuzer to retain his position as Carlton's go-to man in the ruck. Despite off-season knee surgery, Kreuzer's importance within this Blues outfit is significant. His aggression, ability to win the ball around the ground, and positional nous is second to none within Carlton's ruck stocks.
Next in line
You're splitting hairs between Matthew Lobbe and Andrew Phillips. While Phillips was second-in-line last season, Lobbe came in for the final six games of the year when both were out injured and performed admirably. It could see him surpass Phillips as the club's first-choice back-up in 2019.
Can they play together?
No. The Blues have a number of forward options able to pinch-hit through the ruck, including Harry McKay, Tom De Koning and Levi Casboult. It makes the prospect of playing a second genuine ruckman seem distant.
Break glass in case of emergency
The Blues wouldn't want McKay going through the ruck too often, though he has been training alongside Kreuzer, Lobbe and Phillips for extended periods throughout pre-season. It would be a last resort, but it is an option.
Danger signs
Injuries have hampered Carlton's ruck stocks recently. Kreuzer, Phillips and Lobbe all dealt with significant injury issues last season, while none took part in a scratch match against Hawthorn. Could this be a means for Casboult's return at some stage?
We say
Kreuzer to lead the way, with McKay to pinch-hit from the forward line. - Riley Beveridge
Matthew Kreuzer is set to be the Blues' main man yet again. Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
Brodie Grundy isn't simply the best ruckman at Collingwood; he is arguably the best in the game. An athletic big man with a superb all-round game, the combative Grundy is often described as virtually another midfielder with his running ability and ball-winning skills.
Next in line
With giant Mason Cox such a valuable commodity in attack, ex-Bulldog Jordan Roughead is a readymade ruckman who is expected to provide relief for Grundy while playing predominantly as a key defender. Don't forget, Roughead was a premiership ruckman for the Western Bulldogs in 2016.
Can they play together?
Without a doubt. Grundy thrives on a heavy workload and will ruck for upwards of 80 per cent of game time, leaving Roughead to give him a chop out for a few minutes a quarter, and with Cox potentially held in reserve as he continues to explore his forward play.
Break glass in case of emergency
Third-year rookie ruckman Max Lynch, who remarkably finished second in a Pies' time trial, is steadily developing and will have learnt a great deal from opposing Grundy at training and then facing Melbourne gun Max Gawn in Friday's scratch match. Darcy Moore stands 203cm and has previously enjoyed the odd run in the ruck, but appears set to lock down a key defensive post.
Danger signs
The main fear is what would happen if Grundy was sidelined for any length of time, given that when he sat out Friday's practice match it allowed Melbourne pair Gawn and Braydon Preuss to dominate.
We say
The triple punch of Grundy, 'Roughy' and 'Coxy' is likely to be a winning formula. - Ben Collins
The main man
Following Matthew Leuenberger's retirement, Tom Bellchambers is clearly Essendon's No.1 big man. Bellchambers cemented himself in that role in his 20 matches last season. He's aggressive as a ruckman, can mark the ball around the ground and can push forward on occasion.
Next in line
The battle for the No.2 ruck spot is on in earnest with former Docker Zac Clarke and developing big man Sam Draper fighting it out. Clarke was signed by the Bombers under the AFL's SSP rule after a year in the WAFL. His ability to get around the ground continues to be a major strength. Draper has improved year on year and could get an opportunity to make his debut at some stage this season.
Can they play together?
The Bombers are likely to trial all three ruckmen through the JLT Community Series. Whether Clarke and/or Draper could play as a genuine tall marking option up forward would be the big question.
Break glass in case of emergency
Following the retirement of Category B rookie Luke Lavender during the week, the Bombers will go into 2019 with one of Draper or Clarke as their ruckman in the VFL. Rookie recruit Tom Jok, who has a strong vertical leap, could also go into the ruck at a pinch.
Danger signs
Bellchambers, 29, has had an injury-interrupted career, with his 20 matches last season the most games he has played in a single season in his career. Making sure Bellchambers remains injury free will be pivotal for the Bombers in 2019.
We say
The 'Bell' sounds loudly but there's back up ready to go. - Ben Guthrie
The main man
There is a large caveat on this given he has played just 26 games in three years and is battling a calf injury but, at full fitness, giant Aaron Sandilands is still the Dockers' supremo due to his unmatched ability to give Nat Fyfe and co. first use at stoppages.
Next in line
Trimmed-down youngster Sean Darcy has set his sights on dethroning Sandilands and will have every chance to impress as the main man during the JLT Community Series. The 20-year-old is an exciting talent and will be Freo's long-term No.1.
Can they play together?
Ross Lyon has spoken about his desire to play Sandilands and Darcy together, but with forward-ruck Rory Lobb coming in that seems a long shot. Freo would risk being slower than a snail in treacle if they go too tall.
Break glass in case of emergency
Scott Jones got a taste of the big time in five games last year and the 23-year-old is unlucky to now be a fourth-stringer, while yet-to-debut Lloyd Meek, 20, is developing.
Danger signs
It's difficult to forecast Sandilands playing a major part in 2019, so there will be pressure on Darcy to step up and stay fit in the brutal position, otherwise Lobb, who sees himself primarily as a forward, might be forced to lead the ruck.
We say
Watch for the understudy to take centre stage during Sandi's farewell tour. - Travis King
Aaron Sandilands may not be front and centre during his likely final season. Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
Rhys Stanley. Was in the top handful of ruckmen in the competition for a six-week patch in rounds 13-18 last year before he hurt his calf twice in as many matches. Provides a contest, covers the ground well and has touted more running this year under 6-6-6 rules.
Next in line
Darcy Fort. Ready-made after five years across three different state league clubs. His athleticism and competitiveness have impressed skipper Joel Selwood. Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott are on the next rung after interrupted pre-seasons, but both managed to feature in the scratch match against North Melbourne on Wednesday.
Can they play together?
Stanley spent time as a deep forward on Wednesday but it's unlikely given Tom Hawkins and Esava Ratugolea will command two key forward posts. Fort also proved he could pluck a mark in the SANFL, but has a long way to go to carve out an existence as an AFL forward who rucks.
Break glass in case of emergency
Ratugolea was thrown in the deep end against Nic Naitanui in his second game last year and pinch-hit throughout the season. Wylie Buzza is another who could be considered as a back-up. Mark Blicavs is fresh off a best and fairest as a key defender but could be called upon, while Jack Henry has a leap that defies his 191cm stature. Blake Schlensog is a forward-ruck for the future.
Danger signs
With an increased emphasis on centre bounces this year, do the Cats have a big man who can go toe-to-toe with Max Gawn and Aaron Sandilands? Zac Smith is the Cats' best pure ruckman, but with concerns around his body, he faces a crucial season approaching his contract expiry.
We say
Stanley switching with 'Sav'. - Mitch Cleary
Esava Ratugolea could mix forward duties with some ruck work. Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
In two years at the Suns, Jarrod Witts has become one of the most indispensable players on the list. Standing 209cm, if he doesn't win the hitout, he provides a contest that ensures the opposition doesn't get too many clean takeaways. Witts is durable and an incredible aerobic athlete for his size.
Next in line
Injuries have curtailed his progress, but Tom Nicholls is the clear back-up. He's very good at centre bounces with an excellent run-and-jump, but struggles to consistently make an impact around the ground. Would do a solid job if called upon, though.
Can they play together
There's no chance Witts and Nicholls could play together. Neither has shown an ability to contribute in the forward 50, although with his huge frame, it's an area Witts should look to exploit more often.
Break glass in case of emergency
Brayden Crossley is raw and rugged but a few years away yet. The 19-year-old stands 198cm, making him a little undersized, but is aggressive around the contest and can take a mark in the forward line. Once he improves his aerobic endurance, Crossley could be an ideal back-up.
Danger signs
For a man of his size and running ability, Witts could provide a touch more around the ground. In 40 games for Gold Coast he's taken just 92 marks and averaged 13 disposals a game. A little lift in each category would help the Suns immensely.
We say
Another season of huge reliance on Witts. - Michael Whiting
The main man
After Rory Lobb's departure to Fremantle, Shane Mumford looks ready to come straight out of retirement and into the Giants' No.1 ruck role. Mumford's aggression around the contest sets the tone for his teammates, while despite being relatively short for a ruckman, at 197cm, he is a prolific tap winner. The former Swan must serve a two-match suspension at the start of the season, but appears over the navicular injury that temporarily ended his career and is ready to lead the Giants' ruck division again.
Next in line
At 210cm, Dawson Simpson is a formidable presence at ruck contests, finishing fifth in the competition last season for average hitouts to advantage (11.8 a game). However, Simpson struggles to have an influence in general play – he averaged just 8.8 possessions a game last year – and has kicked just four goals in his 39-game career. The 30-year-old has also never played more than 13 games in a season.
Can they play together?
No. Neither Mumford, whose highest season goal tally at GWS is five, nor Simpson have the forward nous and defensive pressure to spend the extended time in attack that is now required of a support ruckman.
Break glass in case of emergency
Matthew Flynn, 21, is yet to play a senior game but has shown promising signs in the NEAFL, including an ability to hit the scoreboard when resting in attack. Fellow Giants academy graduate Kieren Briggs is an outstanding prospect, but his development won't be rushed in his first season at the club. If the Giants elect to play one specialist ruckman, Lachlan Keeffe and Jon Patton, when he returns from his third knee reconstruction, loom as the most likely support options.
Danger signs
Mumford appears in good shape as the season approaches, but some doubt must remain over his body. The 2012 premiership player is 32 and navicular fractures are among the toughest foot injuries to return from.
We say
If Mummy unravels, Giants will be cut down to size. – Nick Bowen
The main man
Ben McEvoy. Last season was another solid one for the Hawks' big man. Ranked No.9 in the competition for total hitouts, McEvoy continues to be a key pillar to Hawthorn's success. One of his biggest strengths is his marking ability with the 29-year-old recording 64 contested marks, the second-most of any ruckman. That, combined with his excellent decision-making, ensures he still owns the No.1 mantle at Waverley Park.
Next in line
Jonathon Ceglar is second in line at the Hawks. He played 11 games last season after returning from an ACL injury in round 10, four of which were solo efforts in the ruck. He needs to improve his tap work and his presence up forward. Can't see him overtaking McEvoy in 2019.
Can they play together?
Coach Alastair Clarkson is partial to playing two rucks in the same side. On eight occasions last year, the four-time premiership coach opted for two big men with Ceglar playing in six of those. In matches where both Ceglar and McEvoy played, Ceglar spent just 41 per cent of game time in the ruck. The Hawks have certainly been trialing two big men over the summer, with the second ruckman playing out of the goalsquare in match simulation, as Clarkson continues to trial the AFL's new rules.
Break glass in case of emergency
Marc Pittonet is back-up. In three years he's only managed five AFL games, two of those coming in 2018. At VFL level he ranks elite for contested possessions and centre clearances, with his aggression one of his best traits. At 22, he has a long way to go to push himself up as a regular in the senior side. Outside of Pittonet though, the Hawks' ruck stocks are pretty bare so they'll need to cross their fingers and toes nothing happens to McEvoy or Ceglar in 2019.
Danger signs
The question at the moment is how does Clarkson use his rucks with the new rules. Ceglar has been played out of the goalsquare over the summer, but he hasn't traditionally been strong in attack, retaining possession only 24 per cent of the time he was targeted forward in 2018. McEvoy has more presence up forward but is the superior player when it comes to tap work and his impact around the ground. This is something the coach will continually need to weigh up as he tinkers with the game plan in 2019.
We say
Pray that McEvoy stays healthy. - Nat Edwards
Jonathon Ceglar and Ben McEvoy do battle at Hawthorn training. Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
Max Gawn is one of, if not the best, ruckman in the competition. His tap work is exemplary and his ground coverage, for a man measuring 208cm, is outstanding. But it's his presence and ability to sense and seize key moments in games that sets him apart from others.
Next in line
There were a few in the football industry who were puzzled by Braydon Preuss' decision to come to Melbourne and serve as Gawn's understudy. But the Demons had a clear plan in mind for Preuss, who played just eight games at North Melbourne, to develop in their program, and the powerful ruckman signed a four-year deal as a result.
Can they play together?
Friday's practice match against Collingwood proved they can, with Preuss impressive in his stints up forward and in the ruck. Gawn is clearly still the No.1 man, but with a round one game against Port Adelaide and Paddy Ryder and Scott Lycett, expect the Demons to keep trialling the model through the JLT Community Series.
Break glass in case of emergency
Austin Bradtke is the only other genuine ruck option on Melbourne's list and the Category B rookie is very much a project player. The former basketballer could even play in Victorian's under-18 competition as part of his development. Tom McDonald, Tim Smith and Sam Weideman spent time in the ruck as Gawn's back-up last year, but the Demons would prefer that not to be the case in 2019.
Danger signs
If Gawn were to go down with injury, it likely changes how aggressive Melbourne can be with its centre bounce setups. Gawn can be a dominant influence in the centre square and although Preuss has shown positive signs, he is still an inexperienced player at AFL level.
We say
The Gawn-Preuss combo is here to stay. - Ben Guthrie
The main man
Todd Goldstein has shouldered the Roos' ruck duties nearly singlehandedly in recent seasons. His elite endurance means he can get to contest after contest and ruck for almost entire games. The 30-year-old is also highly skilled and provides a decent target when resting in attack – his 12 goals in 2018 were topped only by Max Gawn (13) among the competition's specialist ruckmen.
Next in line
After Braydon Preuss joined Melbourne in last year's trade period, the Roos pounced on delisted Bulldog Tom Campbell. Campbell could not break into the Dogs' senior team last season despite solid VFL form, but has impressed in match simulation sessions against Goldstein and has also shown he can go forward and kick goals. The 27-year-old appears a readymade AFL ruckman but will enter 2019 as a clear No.2 behind Goldstein.
Can they play together?
Roos coach Brad Scott has been reluctant to play two specialist ruckmen in the past and is unlikely to change that policy in 2019. Campbell's hopes of playing alongside Goldstein rest largely on his ability to have an impact in attack, where he would have to spend most of his time. He could find himself competing with young forward Nick Larkey to fill the considerable hole left in North's attack by Jarrad Waite's retirement.
Break glass in case of emergency
Tristan Xerri, 19, is North's other specialist ruckman but still needs time to develop in the VFL. Majak Daw's long-term hip and pelvis injuries mean Larkey, Ben McKay and Sam Durdin could emerge as support options this season given the Kangaroos will be reluctant to move Ben Brown from their forward line.
Danger signs
Goldstein bounced back to form last year after a difficult 2017, on and off the field. However, at 30, the question is whether his renaissance will continue in 2019 or whether he will begin to show signs of decline.
We say
Goldstein golden age not over yet. – Nick Bowen
Can Todd Goldstein follow up his 2018 renaissance this season? Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
Scott Lycett is an important signing for the Power to take the pressure off Paddy Ryder. Lycett will shoulder the bulk of the ruck work, while he also showed at West Coast that he's capable of playing up forward.
Next in line
It's a luxury to have a 2017 All Australian ruckman as your back-up option. Ryder will spend more time up forward, but also play in the ruck to give Lycett a break. Ryder – who turns 31 before the start of the season – is still a quality tap ruckman and handy around the ground.
Can they play together?
The Power hope the Lycett/Ryder combination works as well as the Lycett/Nathan Vardy duo worked at West Coast last year. Ryder showed from his days at Essendon he's a dangerous tall forward, while Lycett can also take strong overhead marks and hit the scoreboard.
Break glass in case of emergency
The cupboard is pretty bare behind Lycett and Ryder. Sam Hayes is a promising long-term prospect, but the 19-year-old is recovering from a torn ACL. Billy Frampton, 22, was ineffectual in his one senior game last year, while 21-year-old Peter Ladhams is entering his third season on the rookie list. The Power will want to avoid using Justin Westhoff and Charlie Dixon in the ruck, as they were forced to do last year.
Danger signs
Doesn't look like any at the moment, but if Ryder was to go down with injury again, can Lycett play as the lone ruckman? He's played most of his career – 75 games in eight seasons – with two rucks, averaging 20.1 hitouts last year.
We say
If Lycett doesn’t get you Paddy will. - Lee Gaskin
The main man
Possibly more than any other club, Richmond has a clear reliance on its number one ruckman, Toby Nankervis. The 24-year-old contested the fourth-most centre bounces in the competition last year. While not the most effective ruck, his aggression and durability are vital.
Next in line
A former category B rookie and basketballer, Ivan Soldo (the cousin of former Tiger big man Ivan Maric) has played only eight AFL games, developing his craft at VFL level. Only played one game last year (against Gold Coast), when Nankervis took off a week with a quad complaint.
Can they play together?
The Tigers have traditionally gone with the very unconventional ruck set-up of Nankervis and 190cm midfielder Shaun Grigg. "Nank" and Soldo have played just six games together, two of which while key forward Jack Riewoldt was injured. The new 6-6-6 set-up puts greater emphasis on winning the ball from stoppages, but having both rucks is too slow for Richmond's manic game style.
Break glass in case of emergency
Callum Coleman-Jones, 19, is rated well internally and the club was pleased with his development in 2018, but he is currently a fair way back from AFL level. Rookie Mabior Chol has been used at both ends of the ground and in the ruck in the VFL, but consistency is an issue. At 199cm, key forward Tom Lynch is more than capable of pinch-hitting, but will the Tigers risk an injury to a star recruit who is coming off knee surgery?
Danger signs
The new 6-6-6 rule will expose the use of Grigg in the ruck at centre bounces. The Tigers were content to concede the bounce at times in 2018, especially when they were able to have Kane Lambert running off the back of the square as a sweeper. Nankervis' average hitouts to advantage in 2018 was 7.4, rated below average.
We say
Forget Dusty, 'Nank' is Richmond's most important player. - Sarah Black
Dustin who? Toby Nankervis is the Tigers' most important player. Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
With Billy Longer sidelined by a hamstring complaint, Lewis Pierce is the frontrunner to take the spot. His aggression is impressive, but the 24-year-old has lined up in just four games over six seasons.
Next in line
Longer's pre-season has been interrupted by not only his hamstring injury, but also rehab for left ankle surgery last July. His 2018 was dismal after an interrupted preparation, but the Saints have been enthused by his work ethic.
Can they play together?
No. Neither is a legitimate forward option. If the Saints want a genuine second ruck, Rowan Marshall can fill that gap. He's better in attack at this stage, but can certainly give Longer or Pierce a break when necessary.
Break glass in case of emergency
Marshall is the obvious one and is in contention to take the role for round one. Category B rookie Sam Alabakis stands at 211cm but will spend the season at Frankston developing – he's still very raw.
Danger signs
St Kilda is low on ruck talent. Longer is combative at his best but isn't great around the ground, and there are questions over whether he will return to his 2017 form. Pierce and Marshall are inexperienced, having played a combined 17 games.
We say
Breaking even will be a win. - Dinny Navaratnam
The main man
After Sam Naismith missed all of last season with a right knee reconstruction, Callum Sinclair stepped up and filled the role with aplomb. He looks the obvious choice to take the role again with Naismith still on the sidelines.
Next in line
Naismith had further knee surgery just before Christmas and is going to be out for at least the first month of the upcoming campaign. He looked good in 2017, but the question is how long it takes for him to return to that form.
Can they play together?
It can be done – Sinclair has shown ability up forward and the Swans are crying out for attacking options. That would allow Naismith to take his preferred position in the ruck. Again, that's contingent on Naismith's fitness.
Break glass in case of emergency
Darcy Cameron regularly puts up impressive stats in the NEAFL but struggled in his only match at senior level – last year's shock loss to Gold Coast. He's still young at 23, but whether he's ready for more AFL time just yet is an unknown.
Danger signs
When Sinclair needs a break, Sam Reid or Aliir Aliir will probably be used as pinch-hitters early in the year. That could prove problematic with the new 6-6-6 centre bounce structure, which will hurt teams without decent back-ups. The Swans need Naismith to get going quickly.
We say
Sydney's finals hopes rest on Sinclair staying healthy. - Dinny Navaratnam
The main man
Since the 2015 Grand Final, star Nic Naitanui has only played 30 games and he'll miss half of 2019 coming back from his second knee reconstruction, but few players' presence lifts their team quite like the Eagles' spring-heeled talisman.
Next in line
Everybody knew Nathan Vardy had freakish talent at Geelong, but his body kept letting him down. Now the 27-year-old is a premiership player and genuine No.1 ruckman in his own right after eclipsing ex-teammate Scott Lycett in last year's finals series.
Can they play together?
Absolutely. Vardy is an accomplished tall forward – his pack mark and goal in the last quarter of the Grand Final was massive – and Naitanui's explosiveness is diminished if he doesn't have an off-sider giving him a chop-out.
Break glass in case of emergency
Ex-Sun and Saint Tom Hickey is far better than an 'emergency' option and could play alongside Vardy before Naitanui is back. Mature-age draftee Keegan Brooksby has another AFL chance and will be eyeing that No.2 spot, while raw draftee Bailey Williams is also there and tall forward Oscar Allen could become a pinch-hitter.
Danger signs
The best fit without Naitanui and Lycett will take some working through and it might be clunky early in the season. Assuming Vardy is the No.1, can Hickey or Brooksby play forward if the Eagles stick with two genuine ruckmen? Or could a left-field option like Allen come into the picture?
We say
The stage is set for Vardy, but can a lesser light steal the show before the lead star returns? - Travis King
Who will take Nic Naitanui's mantle until the big man returns? Picture: AFL Photos
The main man
Tim English. Bulked up, topping 100kg for the first time in his three years at the club. Finally injury-free after hip and foot setbacks last year. Agile and will cover the ground even better in 2019.
Next in line
Jordon Sweet. Ready to make an instant impact after winning the SANFL flag with North Adelaide last year. The 202cm 21-year-old makes up for his relative lack of height compared to the dominant big men with his physicality. Big watch on JLT Community Series form.
Can they play together?
Given Jackson Trengove is expected to play more in attack and will provide the ideal foil as a back-up, it's hard to see English and Sweet playing together. Only possible scenario is if English can develop his forward craft to play 70-30 in attack.
Break glass in case of emergency
After bidding farewell to Jordan Roughead (Collingwood) and Tom Campbell (delisted pre-North Melbourne), the Dogs only picked up Sweet in the draft. Josh Schache (199cm) is preferred as a forward, while Josh Dunkley and Zaine Cordy combined for just 15 hitouts last year.
Danger signs
Tom Boyd remains on a restricted program as he deals with an ongoing back complaint. While he was touted for more of a forward role this year, it's hard to see him providing any ruck assistance anytime soon. Just 44 games ago he was a premiership ruckman.
We say: Tim and Trengove for 2019. - Mitch Cleary
