Top AFL clubs are letting ruckmen develop elsewhere rather than selecting them in the draft

SHOULD AFL clubs bother drafting ruckmen or should they just trade for them? Sam Landsberger looks at what the top clubs are doing.

THE premiership pattern for ruckmen is clear.

They should develop elsewhere and be purchased in October from another club, or they should arrive at minimal cost through the rookie draft.

A Champion Data study shows that just four ruckmen have been taken in the national draft and tasted glory with that team in the past decade.

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And they are hardly household names, with Jordan Roughead, Max Bailey, Trent West and Brent Renouf bucking the trend.

It leads to a fascinating question at Friday’s draft.

How early does All-Australian Tim English go?

Many believe the West Australian belongs in the top 10 and experts say he is the best ruck prospect in some time.

Tim English is set to be a high draft pick this year. Picture: Mark Dadswell

English stood just 188cm in Year 9, but will enter the system at 205cm having played in nearly every position, from full-back to attack.

English, 19, is a year older than most draftees and as mobile as some midfielders, triggering comparisons to Dean Cox.

In English’s words: “I’m a ruckman who can play that kick behind the ball, read the play and try to cut off opposition attacks”.

But who picks him?

“I would only take a ruck if I had multiple picks in the top 20, because stats prove they are too often hit or miss,” one recruiter said.

“On that scenario, the Suns or Port this year.”

Another scout warned about the patience required with English, but said his value was inflated by the small ruck market.

“He’s a very good player,” the scout said.

“You rarely see a ruckman with that ball-getting ability and he makes good decisions.”

Champion’s study revealed that since 2000 there have been 19 rucks taken in the first round.

They have combined for zero Brownlow Medals, zero best-and-fairests and just one All-Australian selection, Nic Naitanui in 2012.

In comparison, the 19 ruckmen selected directly after that group are as decorated as a Christmas tree.

They have scooped two Brownlow Medals, seven best-and-fairests and 13 All-Australian honours.

But even Champion rate English highly, placing him No. 17 in its draft power rankings.

English’s average of 16 disposals made him the best ball-winning ruckman in both the WAFL colts and reserves this season.

And there will always be exceptions — last year Jacob Weitering became the first key defender taken at No. 1 since Darren Gaspar (1993).

Greater Western Sydney passed up Brodie Grundy five times in 2012, but even the Giants are a known fan of English.

Brodie Grundy slipped in the draft despite being the best ruckman. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Grundy was touted as a top-five pick, only to fall to No. 18 — the first of three consecutive Collingwood picks.

Nine of the past 10 premiership teams have included at least one ruckman acquired in a trade.

And the ruck role is ever changing.

When Luke Beveridge arrived at the Western Bulldogs, Jordan Roughead was full-back, Tom Boyd was expected to become a monster forward and Will Minson was the All-Australian ruckman 12 months earlier.

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Minson’s career quickly faded as Beveridge instead moulded Roughead and Boyd into a premiership partnership.

So should clubs believed to be considering English — led by Gold Coast, Fremantle, West Coast and Port Adelaide — follow the proven formula and instead bank the best midfielder?

Or is this kid simply so good he is worth the high investment?

ODD ONES OUT

Premiership ruckmen taken in the national draft and developed by that club in the past decade

2016 — Jordan Roughead (pick 30 in 2008)

2013 — Max Bailey (pick 18 in 2005)

2011 — Trent West (pick 31 in 2005)

2008 — Brent Renouf (pick 24 in 2008)

… AND THE REST

2016 — Tom Boyd (traded from GWS)

2015 — David Hale (traded from North Melbourne), Ben McEvoy (traded from St Kilda)

2014 — Hale and McEvoy

2013 — Hale

2012 — Shame Mumford (traded from Geelong, rookie) and Mike Pyke (rookie)

2011 — Brad Ottens (traded from Richmond)

2010 — Darren Jolly (traded from Sydney, rookie) and Leigh Brown (recycled from Fremantle)

2009 — Ottens and Mark Blake (father-son)

2008 — Robbie Campbell (rookie)

2007 — Steven King (16-year-old concession selection) and Ottens

Champion Data Prospectus

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