I was very lucky to pick McIntosh (~$310k, 22gms, 92 avg) last year. At the time, North had 4 ruckmen and there was big concern over game-time. He was super in ruck and great up forward early in the season. He got less game-time towards the end with Goldstein improving. And reduced forward opportunities.
Naitanui WC $305k 2009 - 10 gms, 57 avg
Good tap ruckman and great on-baller. Unbelievably, a good forward too. This guy can do anything. Mind you, I speak after one fabulous pre-season game (178pts). Tackles, goals & hitouts. Showed alot in his first year when Cox was out.
Concern: Multiple. Has an aversion to picking the ball up. Can go for large patches without bothering the SC judges.
Dean Cox. Still the #1 scoring ruckman in the game, despite a late flagging in 2009. Naitanui is the usurper. Woosha has publicly spoken of giving them a big chunk of time up forward each. Injury concerns to limit Cox's involvement somewhat. That is the hope.
Prediction: 2010 - 80 avg Worth $400k Break-even 2010 avg 61
I am also banking on Naitanui improving as the year ends. I'm hoping he will average over 80 heading into finals.
Unlucky losers:
Hille Ess $311k 2009 - 4 gms, 73 avg
Ottens Gee $371k 2009 - 3 gms, 87 avg
Both are proven SuperCoach performers. The doubt is purely about injuries. Barely got on the park last year due to early, season-ending knee injuries. Can't make any confident prediction as to 2010 projections. Ottens is still Geelong's #1 ruckman. Unknown where Hille fits in. Both are accomplished forwards also, making them potentially very valuable on the SuperCoach charts.
Hille Break-even 2010 avg 62
Ottens Break-even 2010 avg 74
Smokeys:
Mumford Syd $283k 2009 - 18 gms, 53 avg
Seaby Syd $288k 2009 - 5 gms, 54 avg
White Syd $290k 2009 - 18 gms, 55 avg
Value exists in the Sydney ruck division. The question is where? White is touted as the permanent full-forward. Leaving Seaby & Mumford, on paper, to do the gruntwork. On early scores, Seaby appears ahead. Last year's games tally was mainly due to being squeezed out of West Coast's lineup due to the emergence of Natanui. Also, a low average due to time on ground. Mumford appears a sturdy tap ruckman. Hasn't shown alot otherwise.
White would have to ruck when the ball is in attack. I can't see the value otherwise. This may push White in front of the other two. A large unknown in the Sydney ruck workings.
Break-even 2010 avg 57-58
The Why? Pick:
A Hawthorn ruckman.
Just don't bother.
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