Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane
Sandilands, Mumford, Jamar & M Clark. Leuenberger a possibility too.
The ruck reserve cupboard is extremely bare this year. Zac Smith will most likely be a widely used selection. Although I scratch my head as to why he was not used in the pre-season. Can only hope the aim is to protect his young body for a long season.
Spencer (Melbourne) & Bellchambers (Essendon) are the only selected cheap ruckmen for week 1 of the AFL. Neither appear worthwhile picks. Pure reserves. However, that is the most common use for ruck benchmen.
Max Bailey (Hawthorn) was not selected. David Hale was in his place. Although it would appear that Hale may not be the substitute for Hawthorn - how he is going to fit into the forward line is a mystery. Cant see it happening. lot of bench time looks the go for Hale.
Robbie Campbell is injured & rookie-listed. A major injury would have to occur at Melbourne for him to appear. It may not necessarily be a case of the other two ruckmen falling over. It is very difficult to see him being used as more than a substitute for Jamar down the road. Not a great investment.
The Hale / Petrie double is the other option. If the team is covered by two starting ruckmen from the above 4 teams, it may be an unnecessary gymnastic move slotting them in. Petrie's form in the pre-season has been spectacular. Being forced to miss 2 early games is not.
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