Fantasy Footy Tips And Tricks Part 3 - The Ruckmen | Thebigtip

Now we’re getting into what can be considered the biggest and smallest of the positions – the ruck. There’s only four players to choose in the end, so to get the most out of your team, you need to make these decisions count.

Getting straight to the point - your first ruck isn't as simple this year. That’s mainly because Aaron Sandilands (FRE/114/554.7k) isn’t as much of a lock as he was the previous few years. He may average 20 points per game more than the second-highest scoring ruck of 2010, and he’s definitely worth every cent as a 7 foot tall potential captain, but it’s not that easy.

That second-highest scoring player from last year is Shane Mumford (SYD/92.6/450.5k), who does more than win the hitouts – he gets his own ball and racks up clearances and tackles. His second and third efforts make him extremely valuable and unique, for which he should have been rewarded with All-Australian selection.

The second All-Australian ruck ahead of Mumford was Mark Jamar (MEL/82.3/400.5k). I’m a big fan of the ‘Russian’, but he’s not a fantasy footy sort of player. He gets his 30 hitouts, can kick goals, take marks and will make an impact every game, but he just doesn’t do enough to enter triple figures very often. With the Demons also looking to play their younger ruck stocks, his ruck time will likely be cut, but then again, that means more time in the forward line.

The other player who can compete with Sandilands is Dean Cox (WC/88/428.2k). He did play all 22 games last season for a below par average compared to the ‘Big Cox’ we normally see, but a brilliant pre-season suggests he’s going to bump it up. If you’re looking to save some cash for somewhere else, pick Cox or Mumford.

Alternatively, you can pick two of Cox, Mumford and Sandilands and have a dominant starting ruck line up. If you’re going to pick Cox and Mumford, however, keep in mind that Sydney and West Coast share the bye in Round 5, so neither of them will play. It can be a powerful strategy, so if you want to go for it, then go for it.

If you don’t, the second ruck I’d recommend is Darren Jolly (COL/79.8/388.4k).The 29 year old started his first season in black and white slowly, but hit form in the second half of the year. He is undervalued so snap him up, as he should average about 90 a game.

Matthew Kreuzer (CAR/82/399k) is injured, obviously, but keep an eye on him. If one of your rucks starts the season badly, or gets injured, Kreuzer should be the player you trade in.

Now in his fifth season, Kurt Tippett (ADE/67.7/329.3k) may also prove to be a good selection. Key forwards have their breakout seasons, and Tippett – who has kicked 101 goals in his past two seasons – could be a great buy. It’s a risk, but it could easily pay off.

Fellow Crow Sam Jacobs (ADE/74.2/360.9k) is a safe bet.. Adelaide chased him for a reason – he’s a great tap ruckman who should take up the No. 1 spot at Adelaide and increase his average.

Patrick Ryder (ESS/85.7/416.8k), Hamish McIntosh (NM/81.6/386.8k) and David Hille (ESS/79.9/388.7k) are all safe selections as well.

On to the Rookies and you’ll be glad to hear this – they’re not difficult.

Zachary Smith (GC/NA/117.7k) should be a lock as your third ruckman. He averaged 82.13 points per game in the VFL last season, with a top score of 145. Get on.

‘X’ should mark the fourth spot - Tom Derickx (RIC/NA/103.6k) is a mature aged ruckman (23 years old) who should get games considering Tyrone Vickery (RIC/49.9/242.9k) is still developing.

Ayce Cordy (WB/NA/110.2k), Max Bailey (HAW/NA/110.2k), Brad Moran (ADE/NA/110.2k), Scott Lycett (WC/NA/103.6k) and Broc McCauley (BRI/NA/91.7k) are other options, but I wouldn’t really bother considering that Smith and Derickx are much more likely to get games.

Besides, you wouldn’t want to be stuck with a rookie who doesn’t play if you’ve got Sandilands and Tippett in your team, sharing the bye in Round 16.

Looking at it now, it's easy to see that the rucks seem to be easier to select this year, but that doesn't mean you can rush it. Do your research and think about who you’re selecting, and you should end up with dominant rucks.