I just read an article by Wayne Carey saying we're in danger of becoming a middling side. One interesting point I took from it is Wayne says Ryder and Hill are our most important players and we are in danger because Ryder is old...
Now I know Wayne probably doesn't spend a lot of time on us so it's understandable, but I think a much more interesting discussion is whether we are best served by keeping Ryder going forward.
I absolutely love Paddy and everything he has brought to the club. His performance in the finals win against Western Bulldogs was the stuff of legend. But I'm seeing a bit of a trend emerge with his performance lately and that is he dominates the ruck contests but struggles to get his hands on the ball.
We have just signed up Rowan Marshall
to a long-term contract. At the moment he predominantly plays forward-ruck except when Paddy is out and he takes the main duties. When he is the main ruck he consistently dominates his opponent around the ground.
On top of that we unearthed a gun forward-ruck in Jack Hayes who unfortunately did his ACL. Now I know many will disagree with this but I think if Hayes were fit there'd be an argument right now to go with Marshall-Hayes and leave Paddy out.
I wonder if the best thing going forward in 2023 is for Marshall to take over as the main ruckman. If Paddy is keen to stay in Melbourne I'd employ him as the ruck coach to pass on his craft to Marshall, Hayes, Heath et al. But I just don't know if we can keep playing with a ruckman who usually gets around 7 possessions a game.
With this in mind, I would love us to make finals this year and give Paddy one last amazing experience in the red white and black.
Now I know Wayne probably doesn't spend a lot of time on us so it's understandable, but I think a much more interesting discussion is whether we are best served by keeping Ryder going forward.
I absolutely love Paddy and everything he has brought to the club. His performance in the finals win against Western Bulldogs was the stuff of legend. But I'm seeing a bit of a trend emerge with his performance lately and that is he dominates the ruck contests but struggles to get his hands on the ball.
We have just signed up Rowan Marshall
PLAYERCARDSTART
19
Rowan Marshall
- Age
- 28
- Ht
- 201cm
- Wt
- 105kg
- Pos.
- Ruck
Career
Season
Last 5
- D
- 15.4
- 4star
- K
- 8.8
- 3star
- HB
- 6.6
- 4star
- CL
- 3.4
- 5star
- HO
- 20.2
- 5star
- D
- 12.9
- 3star
- K
- 9.3
- 4star
- HB
- 3.6
- 2star
- CL
- 2.8
- 4star
- HO
- 17.8
- 5star
- D
- 10.6
- 3star
- K
- 5.8
- 3star
- HB
- 4.8
- 4star
- CL
- 1.0
- 3star
- HO
- 7.8
- 5star
PLAYERCARDEND
On top of that we unearthed a gun forward-ruck in Jack Hayes who unfortunately did his ACL. Now I know many will disagree with this but I think if Hayes were fit there'd be an argument right now to go with Marshall-Hayes and leave Paddy out.
I wonder if the best thing going forward in 2023 is for Marshall to take over as the main ruckman. If Paddy is keen to stay in Melbourne I'd employ him as the ruck coach to pass on his craft to Marshall, Hayes, Heath et al. But I just don't know if we can keep playing with a ruckman who usually gets around 7 possessions a game.
With this in mind, I would love us to make finals this year and give Paddy one last amazing experience in the red white and black.