The Phantom’s 2018 SuperCoach pre-season: Rookie-price ruckmen

If you aren’t throwing the R3 position for captain’s loophole purposes, these are the three rookie-priced ruckmen to pin your hopes – and dreams – on in 2018.

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HELLO, rookie rucks, can you hear me?

I’m in the Lair dreaming about who you will be…

Yes, The Phantom has resorted to catchy pop songs but we’re singing out for some ruck bench cover in 2018, especially with the uncertainty around the returning Nic Naitanui.

But, unfortunately, the stocks appear thin.

If you aren’t throwing the R3 position for captain’s loophole purposes – more on that later if you are new to the game – these are the three names to pin your hopes – and dreams – on.

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Darcy Cameron during Sydney Swans training at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Darcy Cameron

(Syd) $123,900

While Callum Sinclair formed a solid partnership with No. 1 ruckman Sam Naismith in the latter stages of 2017, his two-disposal, 10-point performance in the semi-final loss to the Cats was anything but solid.

And, along with the retirement of Kurt Tippett, this has left the door slightly ajar for 22-year-old Cameron to push his way in.

Sinclair is more than capable as a forward, with his five goals in Round 18 and three goals in the elimination final highlighting this. But so is Cameron.

In 2016, prior to being drafted, Cameron took 43 contested marks – the most in the competition – and booted 36 goals for Claremont in the WAFL.

While Cameron’s numbers in the NEAFL prior to a Round 11 injury last year – 24.6 hitouts, 7.4 to advantage – would suggest he is a better ruckman, it still remains to be seen whether he can match it with the big boys at senior level.

Let’s hope he gets a chance to prove it in 2018.

The Phantom’s Verdict: It’s hard to see the Swans playing all three big men so Cameron may be forced to bide his time in the NEAFL early in the year if Naismith and Sinclair are fit.

Tim English

(WB) $134,700

In his draft year, English was compared to a young Dean Cox in the way in which he gets around the ground – sometimes appearing like a fourth midfielder.

Tim English at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: Mark Wilson

But, given English played plenty of junior footy as a midfielder before a 20cm growth spurt three years prior to his draft year, it’s little surprise the 205cm can win his own ball.

In his two debut-season games, English won only seven disposals in each appearance but 2017 was all about development for the lightly-framed big man.

However, English, who averaged 13 disposals and 18 hitouts in the VFL, did enough to earn a contract extension only months into his career.

While 2018 is likely to be another year of development for English, who has put on seven kilograms since joining the club, should be in the selection frame given neither Jordan Roughead or Tom Campbell have established themselves as dominant ruckmen in the game.

The Phantom’s Verdict: We all know it takes longer for ruckmen to develop but The Phantom believes it will be worth the wait with English. Should feature in the JLT Series and hopefully at some stage at the top level in 2018.

Archie Smith

(Bris) $224,300, forward

For so long, the SuperCoach community has been opposed to the idea of Smith forcing his way into the Lions’ side given the negative effect it has on fantasy favourite Stefan Martin’s scoring.

But in a year where the dual-position ruck-forward options are limited, maybe we should swap sides.

Archie Smith training with Brisbane. Picture: Grant Wells

The 22-year-old played six games last season, all with Martin in the team, and struggled to make an impact, averaging just 45 SuperCoach points.

Smith spent the majority of his time as a forward with little success, recording only four scoring shots for the year.

But he’s show he can score as the No. 1 ruckman, tallying 96 and 90 points in the first two games of his career in 2016.

Although he’s still number two at the moment, Martin is 31 and Smith is the long-term replacement so Brisbane may give the combination another go in 2018.

The Phantom’s Verdict: Keep your eyes – and your mind – open over the JLT Series.

Originally published as The Phantom’s 2018 SuperCoach pre-season: Rookie-price ruckmen