Matthew Clarke says Adelaide is no one-trick pony in the ruck, backing Billy Frampton and Keiran Strachan to support new No. 1 Reilly O’Brien
Emerging big man Reilly O’Brien will be well supported by Billy Frampton and Kieran Strachan in the ruck, who can also cover should he get injured, according to their line coach.
Crows
Don't miss out on the headlines from Crows. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Crows ruck coach Matthew Clarke has hailed the development of young big men Billy Frampton and Kieran Strachan, saying they are more than capable of replacing No. 1 ruckman Reilly O’Brien if he is injured.
While Adelaide's ruck stocks are one of the biggest question marks hanging over the rebuilding club this year – following the loss of long-time No. 1 big man Sam Jacobs to GWS and Josh Jenkins to Geelong – Clarke likes what he has seen from former Port Adelaide tall Frampton and rookie-listed Strachan on the training track over summer.
And he has backed them to admirably replace O’Brien – a revelation last season as he replaced an injured Jacobs – if the 202cm powerhouse is forced to miss games through injury.
Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial >
“Obviously, Reilly had a breakout season last year and he’s looked to build and develop on that again, but with Sam and Josh heading interstate, the next layer is the exciting piece for us,’’ Clarke said.
“Frampton’s come in and started to have an impact, and Strachan came into our program last year and is getting genuine ruck minutes and really developing quickly.
“Reilly’s season last year obviously gives him the lead in, but the other guys are pressing hard, which puts our squad in a healthy position.
“The reality is, what’s happening across the board with the group is that a lot of young guys are looking at that opportunity and stepping up to try to take it.’’
O’Brien, 24, played 18 AFL games last season after managing just two in the previous three years.
Ruckman/forward Frampton, 23 and 200cm, joined the Crows from Port in November after playing just three matches in five years.
He is athletic and has talent to burn.
The 204cm Strachan, 25, was rookie-listed by Adelaide last year after playing VFL for Essendon and Port Melbourne.
He started the year playing as a forward in the SANFL before moving into the ruck.
“Everyone used to ask the same question about Sam Jacobs, and I said for two years that Reilly O’Brien was training really well and when he gets his opportunity he will make his mark,’’ Clarke said.
“That proved to be the case and while these guys are at slightly different stages of their development, Billy’s been in the system for a number of years and Kieran’s moved on really quickly.
“Often young players need opportunity, you can’t play brilliantly if you are not on the park.
“Touch wood that situation doesn’t arise (that O’Brien is injured), but if it does they will take that opportunity.’’