Aaron Sandilands has been the best ruckman of season 2010. Not too much doubt about that; and Freo’s difficulties without him in the past two weeks highlight the point.
The reserve ruck spot in the 2010 Four’N Twenty All Australian team is likely to cause far more debate around the selection table.
Melbourne’s Mark Jamar, new Swan Shane Mumford and Collingwood recruit Darren Jolly are the leading contenders should selectors choose a back-up for Sandilands on the All Australian interchange.
Mumford has proven to be a great pick-up for Sydney, imposing himself on contests with his huge frame. Mark Seaby’s injury meant the former Cat has had to take the bulk of his team’s rucking responsibilities, and he has grown into the role as the season has gone on.
He played his best game of the year against a Sandilands-less Freo on Saturday, picking up a career-high 22 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency, plus 30 hitouts, eleven of those to advantage.
He also managed 13 contested possessions, including five clearances and a goal.
Much improved Demon Jamar has been super consistent, playing in all 20 games so far and rarely failing to contribute.
His season tally of 30 contested marks highlights his ability in the air, while his 7.1 hitouts to advantage per game ranks him second behind only Sandilands.
Darren Jolly’s season got off to a slow start, but his improved performances have been an important factor in Collingwood’s push to the minor premiership. The Magpie big man has performed well in the ruck and managed to sneak forward and kick 19 goals for the season.
Whether All Australian selectors can overlook his indifferent early form remains to be seen.
Of the others in our table below, Eagle Dean Cox remains among the top few ruckmen in most key areas, despite copping heavy criticism for his reduced output this year.
Ben Hudson has been a solid contributor for the Bulldogs, while Dean Brogan ranks fourth in the competition for hitouts, showing he’s still an important player for Port.
| 2010 Games | Hitouts (avg) | Hitouts to advantage (avg) | Disposals (avg) | Clearances (avg) | Marks (avg) | Contest Marks (avg) | Goals (total) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Sandilands | 18 | 35.9 | 9.3 | 16.7 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 12 |
| Mark Jamar | 20 | 28.5 | 7.1 | 12.8 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Shane Mumford | 18 | 26.2 | 5.5 | 13.5 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 4 |
| Dean Brogan | 18 | 23.4 | 4.4 | 12.8 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0 |
| Dean Cox | 20 | 23.1 | 5 | 16.5 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 1.1 | 10 |
| Darren Jolly | 20 | 21.8 | 5.1 | 12.5 | 1.7 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 19 |
| Ben Hudson | 19 | 16.9 | 4 | 15.1 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 2 |
With no clear standout, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sandilands as the lone ruckman when the final All Australian 22 is named on 13 September.
But recognition for one of the big improvers (Mumford or Jamar) would make many fans very happy.
Which two ruckmen would you have in your team of the year? Tell us in the comments below.
