Once spoiled for ruck talent, West Coast’s barren stocks have been exposed again

Every AFL list manager has skeletons in the closet. But the one haunting the Eagles right now should sting even more given the litany of stars that have come before at a certain position, writes Eliza Reilly.

Every AFL list manager has skeletons in the closet.

But how West Coast went from boasting two of the best ruckmen in modern history to it being one of the weakest areas on their list will forever haunt the Eagles.

For the second time this season, Matt Flynn was dominated by an opposition ruckman.

In round one, it was Gold Coast’s Jarrod Witts, resulting in Flynn’s omission. On Saturday night in round eight, it was evergreen Melbourne star Max Gawn.

The numbers don’t do Gawn’s supremacy justice.

He won hit-outs 47-22, a marginally more even contest than Witts’ 68-13 tally, but Gawn’s influence around the ground was monumental.

Flynn and the Eagles had no answers. He tried to wrestle him but Gawn was stronger. He tried to jump into him but Gawn jumped higher. On the rare occasion he did equalise or win the contest, Melbourne’s midfield still found a way to win the footy.

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Gawn ripped Flynn and the Eagles to shreds. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Gawn finished with a career-high 35 disposals, nine clearances, eight marks and a goal in the final term after kicking seven straight points to start season 2025.

“At 0-5, he said enough is enough,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

“I think we’re seeing the greatest of all time. We’re in awe of the big fella. He’s had to work hard this season to get into the form he is currently. He’s a great leader and he’s driving a lot of what we want.”

His influence gave Melbourne an undeniable advantage at clearances. At half-time, the Demons led 27-6. The full-time tally was 48-26 but Melbourne dominated centre clearances 18-8, a result of Gawn’s handy work.

West Coast has been spoiled for A-grade ruckman.

Dean Cox redefined the role and is one of the best to ever do it.

When he retired, Nic Naitanui took over and won back-to-back John Worsfold medals as one of the club’s most influential players and favourite sons.

Even with the pair at their peak, West Coast was once a reputable breeding ground for AFL big men.

Callum Sinclair was a capable back-up big man across 29 games for the Eagles before requesting a trade to Sydney in search of more opportunity.

Scott Lycett is a premiership ruck at the Eagles but exercised his free agency rights to return home to South Australia and play for Port. Nathan Vardy was traded in as insurance from Geelong but in West Coast’s 2018 flag, he was the highest-rated player in the final term.

Now, the ruck is a position West Coast are merely filling without thriving.

The current alternative is Bailey Williams. The 25-year-old is an athletic jumper who tries hard but he’s fallen out of favour with Andrew McQualter.

The Eagles need to find a solution at the ruck position soon. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Coen Livingstone has been spending more time in attack in the WAFL. Harry Barnett was drafted as a ruck but the Eagles have been attempting to turn him into a key defender. Archer Reid is the tallest player on West Coast’s list and he competed well with Gawn at inside 50 stoppages but long-term he shapes as a key forward.

Recent history tells us that AFL sides don’t need a dominant ruckman to win the flag.

Darcy Fort guided Brisbane to the dais last year when Oscar McInerney injured his shoulder in the preliminary final. Darcy Cameron is a competitor but not an All-Australian nor best and fairest. Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs got the job done for Geelong in 2022. Gawn might finish his illustrious career with eight All-Australian blazers but only one premiership medal.

At a bare minimum, West Coast needs a competitor. At the moment, the Eagles are getting massacred.

“Max is, in my opinion, the best ruckman of all time,” Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said.

“It’s a great opportunity for Flynny to play against Max and he’ll go away and learn things and continue to improve his game. He had his colours lowered tonight but we’ll continue to work with our guys.

“I think it was bigger than the ruck tonight. I don’t want to undersell Max’s game. But it’s not winnable when clearances are so one-sided.”

Originally published as Once spoiled for ruck talent, West Coast’s barren stocks have been exposed again