The 2021 AFL trade period saw five ruckmen shift clubs with Callum Coleman-Jones (Richmond to North Melbourne), Jon Ceglar (Hawthorn to Geelong), Darcy Fort (Geelong to Brisbane), Peter Ladhams (Port Adelaide to Sydney) and Max Lynch (Collingwood to Hawthorn) involved.
Will we see a second straight ruck merry-go-round? AFL journalist Callum Twomey believes there’s every chance.
The headline name will of course be Melbourne’s Luke Jackson, with Twomey saying his decision will have big ramifications on the rest of the trade period either way.
“Luke Jackson’s decision is definitely going to create a ripple effect one way or another whether he stays or goes,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“There’s definitely a feel around clubs that Freo or West Coast are certainly more in play for him now than they were some time ago.
“The ruck merry-go-round had five rucks change clubs last year. I think it could be about the same number this off-season.
“If Jackson does want to head to the Dockers, I’m sure we’ll see Lloyd Meek’s name come up in ruck discussions having been the ruck deputy to Sean Darcy at the Dockers.
“Then around the competition there’s Sam Hayes who I expect to be on the trade market. He’s been in and out at Port Adelaide’s side in recent weeks.
“Todd Goldstein is unsigned at North Melbourne, we know Tristan Xerri has taken on the number one mantle there. He’s going to have takers as an experienced option.
“GWS’ duo Matt Flynn and Kieren Briggs have had interest previously and are behind Braydon Preuss in the pecking order there.
“They’re the names clubs are looking at. There is a shortage of rucks around the competition. They’re the guys clubs are looking at.”
Teams like Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Sydney and West Coast have all had their ruck depth challenged this year due to injuries.
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