Leigh Matthews is adamant that the second ruck role has long been “underrated” and that having a good one can go a long way to winning games of football.
This comes after the AFL legend witnessed Richmond’s Mabior Chol tear up the Lions at Metricon Stadium last Friday with four goals, 12 hit-outs and 10 disposals as the second ruckman.
“This hit me watching the Lions play Richmond on Friday night,” Matthews told Sportsday.
“Mabior Chol was the second ruckman for Richmond and he kicked four goals and jumped well as the second ruck.
“It just hit me how important that role is.
“(Mark) Blicavs, (Rowan) Marshall, (Tim) English, (Jonathon) Ceglar - they’re not great first ruckmen, but because they can be goalkickers and flexible as Blicavs is, they are really valuable players to back up whoever the main ruckman is.”
Comparatively, the Lions were forced to use the relatively untried ex-basketballer Tom Fullarton in the same role. He finished with nine touches, eight hit-outs and didn’t trouble the scorers.
Matthews believes Brisbane is lacking in this area, which has contributed to their form line over the past few weeks.
“It’s interesting, the Lions were at their best when Joe Daniher was actually their second ruck,” Matthews said.
“But of course when (Eric) Hipwood got injured, all of a sudden you’ve got to use Daniher mainly as a forward and you lose out everywhere.
“I think it’s just one of those things. I mean, Collingwood have been at their best the last few years at times where Mason Cox has had a good day.
“It’s an underrated role and if you’ve got one, they might not be a great first ruckman … but when your second ruckman can jump okay in the ruck and kick four goals, you’re going to win most games.”