For the last three rounds, Collingwood’s match committee has elected to go with one recognised ruckman.  This week’s ‘Magpie Blog’ focuses on Collingwood’s ruck setup ahead of the Anzac Day match against Essendon.

Collingwood ruck stocks

Josh Fraser has averaged 95 match time minutes in the first four rounds compared to his average of 77 minutes last season from the first four rounds.   Fraser’s longest time spent on the ground last season was 95 minutes in round 10.

The Magpies used utility Leigh Brown in the ruck last week.  The new recruit was involved in over a dozen ruck contests and finished the night with eight hitouts.

After playing against Adelaide in round one, Chris Bryan played the last three weeks in the VFL.  He has shared the ruck duties with Cameron Wood, who has yet to play a senior match this season after playing 13 senior games last season.

The club is working on developing Lachlan Keeffe, who was selected in the 2008 rookie draft with pick 69.  Collingwood selected Keeffe in the 2008 AFL Rookie Draft after having spent a year on the list as a Queensland pre-listed rookie.

Essendon ruck stocks

The Bombers’ ruckman David Hille, who won the club’s best and fairest last year, has averaged 101 match minutes in the first four rounds.  The 27-year-old had 21 hitouts in last week’s loss to North Melbourne.

Essendon is playing its ruck setup similar to Collingwood’s with Hille shouldering most of the duty. 

Patrick Ryder, pick seven in the 2005 draft, has spent some time in the ruck this season and could assist Hille this Saturday.

Tom Bellchambers, who played three senior games in season 2008, has played the last two rounds in the VFL and could receive a call-up to the seniors this week. 

Jason Laycock, who served as Essendon’s second ruckman last season, is recovering from a foot injury sustained in the pre-season and will not play in the senior side on Saturday.
Have your say!

This week Collingwood will tackle Essendon on Anzac Day with both sides looking to move above the .500 mark with a win.

Do you think Collingwood needs to bring in another recognised ruckman to play alongside Josh Fraser?  Can Fraser continue to shoulder the ruck duties by himself with Brown backing him up?

Have your say on this week’s blog!