King backs Xerri over Gawn for 2024 All-Australian ruck honours

North Melbourne great David King thinks that Kangaroos ruckman Tristian Xerri has been the best in his position across the entire competition in 2024.

Xerri played just 33 games across his first six seasons but has blossomed this season as the No. 1 ruck following Todd Goldstein’s departure as he ranks inside the top 10 in tackles (2nd), contested possessions (10th), hitouts (2nd), stoppage clearances (7th) and total clearances (9th) across the comp this campaign.

King thinks that the 25-year-old’s campaign has been so impressive that he should be named the All-Australian ruck come season’s end, even ahead of Melbourne skipper and six-time All-Australian Max Gawn.

His call came after the ruckman helped himself to 20 disposals, 10 tackles, 45 hitouts and six marks in the Round 21 win over Richmond.

He thinks that Xerri has eclipsed Gawn in the back half of the campaign and he debated the All-Australian ruck spot with Sam Edmund on SEN Mornings.

King: “Tristan Xerri is the All-Australian ruckman. Absolutely, he is.”

Edmund: “Has he had a better season than Max Gawn?”

King: “I think so. Especially in the back half of the season.”

Edmund: “You think he has had a better season than the Melbourne captain?

King: “I think so, do you not subscribe?”

Edmund: “I wouldn't categorically say he has had a better season than Max Gawn, it’s a very polite way of saying I disagree.”

From a statistical point of view, Xerri leads Gawn in clearances (6.1 to 4.9), one percenters (3.2 to 2.8) and contested possessions (11.9 to 11.8).

The Demon leads the Roo in disposals (19.1 to 17.0), marks (5.3 to 2.6), goals (0.6 to 0.3), hitouts (34.7 to 34.1) and inside 50s (2.4 to 1.9).

Brodie Grundy at Sydney will also strongly be considered for the position.