SuperCoach 2016: The Phantom rates the rucks after the NAB Challenge’s first week

FILLING ruck positions can be a headache for SuperCoaches, so The Phantom has been watching the big men closely in the first week of the NAB Challenge. Here are three who stood tall.

FILLING ruck positions can be a headache for SuperCoaches, so The Phantom has been watching the big men intently in the first week of the NAB Challenge. Here are three who stood tall.

Tom Nicholls, left, wrangles with Dan Currie at Suns training. Picture: David Clark

Tom Nicholls $439,200

Heading into the first NAB Challenge clash with Brisbane, Nicholls was arguably leading the battle against Daniel Currie ($163,200) for the No. 1 ruck spot at the Suns.

And after impressing with his work around the ground, tallying 11 possessions — nine of them contested — 22 hit-outs, six tackles and 106 SuperCoach points against the Lions, he’s still in front.

Not by much, though. Currie — who is at now at his third AFL club — picked up seven disposals, 17 hit-outs and 70 points himself, keeping the pressure on Nicholls — something he has done since crossing from North Melbourne in the off-season.

Nicholls, 24, last season shared the ruck duties with Zac Smith — who was traded to Geelong — playing 15 games and scoring more than 85 SuperCoach points on seven occasions.

Keep an eye on the Suns’ ruck setup as round one draws closer because it is unlikely Nicholls and Currie will play in the same side.

Callum Sinclair grabs a mark during Sydney Swans training. Picture: Mark Evans

Callum Sinclair $409,500

Sydney unveiled its new ruck tandem of the former Eagle and Kurt Tippett ($483,800), with the

pair rotating through the forward line.

Starting at full forward, the athletic Sinclair had nine possessions, four marks, 16 hit-outs and booted 1.3 while inside the forward 50 arc, finishing with 84 SuperCoach points.

Tippett — who scored 86 points on the back of 11 disposals and 27 hit-outs — looked in great touch with his ruckwork a highlight.

At under $500k, both represent significant value in SuperCoach but may split the points more often than not.

Matthew Kreuzer taps the ball during a Carltonn training session at Visy Park. Picture: Michael Dodge (Getty Images)

Matthew Kreuzer $481,900

The talented, yet injury-plagued ruckman continued his uninterrupted pre-season with an encouraging first-up display against the Hawks.

A fit-looking Kreuzer, who has shown his huge scoring potential in the past, had 10 disposals, seven contested possessions, 18 hit-outs and four tackles to register 90 SuperCoach points in 63 per cent game time.

But Kreuzer, who runs around like an extra midfielder when he’s at his best, has been in this position before. After an impressive summer in the lead-up to last season, a serious foot injury kept the mobile ruckman out until round 10.

Is this finally his year?

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Originally published as SuperCoach 2016: The Phantom rates the rucks after the NAB Challenge’s first week