Tweaks to the ruck rules for season 2019 may mean the big bloke is back in vogue.
Already some clubs are experimenting with two specialist ruckmen in practice matches with success. Is it possible that we've seen the last of the undersized mid competing at throw-ins?
So how is Richmond club placed in the ruck department? Who is your main, who's No.2, do they both play, what happens in an emergency? AFL Media check it out.
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The main man
Possibly more than any other club, Richmond has a clear reliance on its number one ruckman, Toby Nankervis. The 24-year-old contested the fourth-most centre bounces in the competition last year. While not the most effective ruck, his aggression and durability are vital.
Next in line
A former category B rookie and basketballer, Ivan Soldo (the cousin of former Tiger big man Ivan Maric) has played only eight AFL games, developing his craft at VFL level. Only played one game last year (against Gold Coast), when Nankervis took off a week with a quad complaint.
Can they play together?
The Tigers have traditionally gone with the very unconventional ruck set-up of Nankervis and 190cm midfielder Shaun Grigg. "Nank" and Soldo have played just six games together, two of which while key forward Jack Riewoldt was injured. The new 6-6-6 set-up puts greater emphasis on winning the ball from stoppages, but having both rucks is too slow for Richmond's manic game style.
Break glass in case of emergency
Callum Coleman-Jones, 19, is rated well internally and the club was pleased with his development in 2018, but he is currently a fair way back from AFL level. Rookie Mabior Chol has been used at both ends of the ground and in the ruck in the VFL, but consistency is an issue. At 199cm, key forward Tom Lynch is more than capable of pinch-hitting, but will the Tigers risk an injury to a star recruit who is coming off knee surgery?
Danger signs
The new 6-6-6 rule will expose the use of Grigg in the ruck at centre bounces. The Tigers were content to concede the bounce at times in 2018, especially when they were able to have Kane Lambert running off the back of the square as a sweeper. Nankervis' average hitouts to advantage in 2018 was 7.4, rated below average.
We say
Forget Dusty, 'Nank' is Richmond's most important player. - Sarah Black
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