SuperCoach 2015: set and forget or cheap and risky? decisions to be made in the ruck

RUCKS. They don’t always get the SuperCoach attention they deserve and are often a trade black hole. Here’s how to beat the trap.

West Coast Eagles training at Metricon Stadium. Nick Naitanui. Pic Mark Calleja

SET and forget or cheap and risky?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the SuperCoach ruck department.

DEFENCE: TOUGH TO FIND BACKLINE GEMS

FORWARDS: THE ROOKIES YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

MIDFIELD: IT’S ALL ABOUT VALUE FOR MONEY

Too often the rucks are overlooked as we look to maximise our scoring potential in the midfield and of course in defence and attack.

However, how many of us have wasted numerous trades over the years trying to get it right.

Sam Jacobs is the most expensive ruckman in SuperCoach 2015. Picture: Sarah Reed

SET AND FORGET

If you splash the cash in the ruck department, chances are you won’t have to worry about making trades (barring unforeseen injuries).

Granted it will lessen you’re spending ability across the rest of your line-up but it’s not like you’re missing out having two rucks averaging 100 points per game.

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Now, there are new rules regarding the rucks this season and we’re yet to see how that will impact scoring but Champion Data projects Jacobs, Sandilands, Goldstein and Mumford will not be majorly affected.

On Lobbe, it’s hard to tell how Paddy Ryder’s arrival will impact his scoring but the Power big man rates above average for hit outs to advantage as well as possessions and cracked the 100-point average for the first time in 2014.

Todd Goldstein is the undisputed No.1 ruckman at North Melbourne. Picture: Colleen Petch

TOP PICKS

Sam Jacobs (Adelaide) $620,100

Shane Mumford (GWS Giants) $613,700

Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle) $580,800

Todd Goldstein (Nth Melbourne) $574,400

Matthew Lobbe (Port Adelaide) $541,300

Carlton hope Matthew Kreuzer can stay fit in 2015. Picture: Nicole Garmston

CHEAP AND RISKY

These are the money saving picks that allow us to bolster the rest of our line-ups.

These ruckmen are cheap for a reason, mostly that they’ve been injured a lot or are about to step into the No.1 ruck role in 2015.

Matthews Kreuzer and Leuenberger represent the best value given they have historically scored well. However, it is their injury history that is most concerning.

The Blues and Lions believe both will be fit for Round 1 and both are notionally the club’s No.1 ruckmen. The NAB Challenge will give us a good indication as to their role and health.

Tom Bellchambers is the most interesting choice. After Paddy Ryder’s departure, Bellchambers looks set to step up as Essendon’s No.1 ruckman and has scored well when one-out in the past. Jon Giles’ role and James Hird’s gameplan could be make or break for him.

Jon Giles and Tom Bellchambers are fighting for Essendon’s main ruck role. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

TOP PICKS

Mike Pyke (Sydney) $417,600

Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton) $370,900

Matthew Leuenberger (Brisbane) $358,000

Brodie Grundy (Collingwood) $337,900

Tom Bellchambers (Essendon) $302,500

How will Nic Naitanui perform in 2015? Picture: Moran Faith

NIC NAITANUI

The West Coast superstar gets his own category.

He’s much cheaper than the big guns but he’s taking over the Eagles’ No.1 ruck role and is capable of scoring on an elite level.

He’s injury prone but he’s reportedly training the house down.

At just $488,300, how can you pass him up?

The one thing we do know is that he will be extremely popular. So, everyone will have him and if you decide against picking him and he explodes you’re going to be behind the eight ball.

Almost a must-have second ruckman but if you’re feeling confident a calculated risk as the No.1 big man in your line-up.

Originally published as SuperCoach 2015: set and forget or cheap and risky? decisions to be made in the ruck