It's a simmering debate that continues to grow legs; Hamish McIntosh with two VFL games under his belt looks all but ready for a return to the AFL, but just where does he fit in?
Consider this: if it was round one, there's almost no doubt Brad Scott would have fielded a two-pronged ruck attack against the Eagles. After all, McIntosh and Todd Goldstein did pair for 688 hit-outs in 2010 and their combination ranked only behind West Coast's Dean Cox and Nic Natanui.
They both capped off terrific seasons by finishing in the top-ten in North's best and fairest count.
But how things have changed. Goldstein, forced to step up in McIntosh’s absence with an achilles injury, has quickly become one of the league's most influential big men.
The number 22 leads the AFL in hit-outs, is second for taps to advantage and has increased his output around the ground averaging 14 possessions a game compared to 11 in 2010. His hit-out efficiency has also improved significantly.
The introduction of the substitute rule brings even more weight to the dilemma. Some clubs have been reluctant to select two traditional style ruckman, instead opting for a an undersized but athletic type who can pinch-hit, thus leaving room for another runner on the bench.
The Kangaroos have used Cameron Pedersen and Drew Petrie in similar roles, but it's been Goldstein's ability to run out a game that sets him apart from other ruckmen. He ranks in the top five at the club for time spent on the ground - a statistic that puts him well above any other.
So just how does McIntosh get back in to the side?
Let’s not forget his proven talent. In 2009 he was third in the league for hit-outs and in many experts minds, he was unlucky not to be an All-Australian (although he was selected in the 40-man squad).
Last year when he worked with Goldstein, McIntosh took his marking to a new level. He ranked ninth in the league for contested grabs and it was his ability to push forward as well that made him an even more dangerous proposition.
Goldstein has been a revelation, but what's to say the Kangaroos wouldn't be higher on the table if he had more assistance in the centre? Would Drew Petrie have been so dominant with another big man floating forward and taking up space?
Of course, we won't know until Scott takes the punt at the selection table and until then, McIntosh will continue to knock down the door.
We want to know what do you think? Should Hamish McIntosh be recalled and what influence, positive or negative, would he have on the team?
