So what difference will Hudson make next season?

[Dry Rot]

I haven't seen much of him - what difference will he make? Is any good around the ground? Who will play second ruck?

If nothing else, I suppose we'll find out if our clearance problem was the fault of the midfielders.

[mjp]

He is a strong ruckman who - in Crows colors - exhibited a real appetite for a contest...followed by another contest and another contest. Get a copy of the Crows vs Hawks final DR to have a look at what I mean.

I admit to being a huge fan and hope we can pull it off.

[The Underdog]

His stats as far as clearances are impressive, an area where it would be great to have someone to throw their weight around. Remember how good it was when Darcy would compete in the ruck and then be on the ground making space for the mids or getting it out himself?

[dog town]

Works hard below his knees for a big man a bit like Darcy and Wynd did for us in their prime. Probably not a pure tap ruckmen but more than competitive in that area. Should give us a bit of impact and presence at ground level around the stoppages. Not a huge contested mark or goal kicker but the crows game doesn't really lend itself to him having a big impact in those areas. I would say he would spend sometime up forward for us. Gets around the ground ok but he wont get you more than 20 or so disposals all that often.

[Rocco Jones]

As a few poster have mentioned, Hudson is very strong in ground level contests.

- 2nd highest average contested possessions
- 2nd highest total contested possessions

Amazing stats for a ruckman coming off a knee.

[LostDoggy]

As a few poster have mentioned, Hudson is very strong in ground level contests.

- 2nd highest average contested possessions
- 2nd highest total contested possessions

Amazing stats for a ruckman coming off a knee.

He did his knee toward the end of 2005 so he came off a knee in 2006 where he played a handful of games. He was fully fit in 2007.

[Rocco Jones]

He did his knee toward the end of 2005 so he came off a knee in 2006 where he played a handful of games. He was fully fit in 2007.

Good point young man.

[Bulldog Revolution]

He is a strong ruckman who - in Crows colors - exhibited a real appetite for a contest...followed by another contest and another contest. Get a copy of the Crows vs Hawks final DR to have a look at what I mean.

I admit to being a huge fan and hope we can pull it off.

Yep get the tape DR - mjp will even break down the clearances frame by frame for us

I like the way Hudson goes about it, physical presence and really uses it

[Dry Rot]

Begs the question then who of Skipper, Minson and Street would best compliment him as second ruck?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Begs the question then who of Skipper, Minson and Street would best compliment him as second ruck?

I think it's possible the duties will be shared between Hudson, Minson AND Skipper. For mine, Street won't be playing too much this year. I think we'll see the above three surpass him pretty quickly, if they havent already.

Hudson will obviously become our #1 ruck, and I would think that Minson - should he in fact find some consistency - become our #2 ruck. I actually don't mind this combination; if Minson can play more consistently ala Brisbane '05 then he'll be very good for us. Last year was a very bad one for Will, but I'm confident he can turn it around. To me, they seem to be a similiar type of ruckmen. Both are neither tap specialists, though they CAN use their big bodies to advantage in ruck contests. Both are pretty good at ground level and can feed the ball out themselves to the midfielders, or at least clear a path. Hudson has the stats to prove it whilst Minson has shown he has this ability, it's just a matter of stringing it together every week. If Minson can curb his aggression, then I think we'll have a good ruck combination that could certainly trouble a few. Even Geelong - this years Premiers - only had one good ruck in Ottens. Blake played above himself and struggled in the Finals whilst King is a long way past it. Hudson/Minson should at least be very competitive and should test opposition sides out. Minson's mobile for a big guy, too.

Skipper I think will play here and there in the ruck too, IF he continues his form from late this year. He was pretty good in the ruck for short periods of time before he started tiring. He took some great contested marks, he chased/tackled and showed great intensity around the ball. It was Skip working very hard and playing well, unlike his 'lucky' 5 goals v Geelong in 2005. At this stage, I think we could entertain the idea of playing Skip up forward (FF or CHF?) and then swing him into the ruck and move Minson forward. I'm not sure of Hudsons capabilities as a resting ruckmen in the forward line, but it might be handy if we could give Hudson a few spells on the bench because IMO our ruckmen seem to tire quickly. Skipper would only have to spend 10 minutes there, then come off for a rest and send Hudson back out.

The Hudson/Minson/Skipper swaps could work well and keep them fresh, I think it's certainly something the club should look at. Obviously Minson has struggled in the forward line in the past, but I feel he needs to continue to develop. I also read somewhere that Eade expected Minson to continue this type of role? In the past, Minson/Skip have been good in bursts but as the game has gone on they've tired relatively quickly. Improving their fitness plus introducing this '3 Ruck swap' could benefit them both, and help out Hudson too.

Thoughts?

[whythelongface]

I
Thoughts?


Totally agree TBB. I think Street is gone. More a liability around the ground then Minson and Skipper. Minson, like you say had an off year, however in the past has shown some potential and with actually having a very good tap ruckman on our books can only benefit - he may prosper playing second fiddle to Hudson. I am not sure of Minson's potential in the fwd line - hasn't shown enough to provide me with much confidence, therefore I would be willing to let Skipper spend extended periods of time down there. Again Skip has not been consistent as a forward and has shown more around the ground - he really needs to develop into a fwd to ensure he maintains his spot on the team.

[The Underdog]

Totally agree TBB. I think Street is gone. More a liability around the ground then Minson and Skipper. Minson, like you say had an off year, however in the past has shown some potential and with actually having a very good tap ruckman on our books can only benefit - he may prosper playing second fiddle to Hudson. I am not sure of Minson's potential in the fwd line - hasn't shown enough to provide me with much confidence, therefore I would be willing to let Skipper spend extended periods of time down there. Again Skip has not been consistent as a forward and has shown more around the ground - he really needs to develop into a fwd to ensure he maintains his spot on the team.

I agree that fully fit, Minson should take the 2nd ruck spot. I remember early last year he seemed to have quite a good understanding with Cooney, but that seems to have disappeared.Street looks to be in trouble. Unfortunately with Skipper I think he's a potentially good ruckman, if he can somehow grow 7cm. He has never shown that he can be a consistent key forward and I don't know that he has it in him. I fear that he's a ruckman in a body that's too small for the position.

[whythelongface]

. Unfortunately with Skipper I think he's a potentially good ruckman, if he can somehow grow 7cm. He has never shown that he can be a consistent key forward and I don't know that he has it in him. I fear that he's a ruckman in a body that's too small for the position.


What else do we do with the lad? Agree he hasn't been consistent as a key fwd. Do we persist and continue to try him there or do we make him our 3rd ruck option and have him play in the ressies - only call him up when needed.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Clearly Hudson will get first crack at the number 1 ruck spot, but I am not prepared to write off Street just yet. I am one of the few who rate his centre square work and believe he has the skills to be more useful around the ground than hes been previously. Basically I think he is more talented than he gets the credit for being.

Yes I expect to be lambasted for this - but Street is a good kick for goal for a guy his height and is coordinated - hes shown flashes of great skills. Clearly he is under the most pressure hes ever been in with his time with us and its up to him to respond.

I believe the second ruckmen will just come down to whoever is fit and in form - neither Minson nor Street have shown they can remain in good form for a long stretch - thats the challenge for them.

Skipper is too small to be the main man, but is a deft tap ruckman in patches, with his benefit being he is the most dangerous target when resting forward.

[Mantis]

Skipper is too small to be the main man, but is a deft tap ruckman in patches, with his benefit being he is the most dangerous target when resting forward.

I think Skipper struggles most in around the ground ruck duels. He has a pretty good leap which means he goes ok at the centre square, but around the ground and in boundary throw-in duels he struggles with his lack of size and strength being shown up by taller/ stronger ruckman.

I thought he was very good late in the season and would hope that we could possible play Hudson, Minson and Skipper in the same team, but only if both Skipper and Minson can play a more profound role in the forward line.

[MrMahatma]

I'd say Hudson = #1, Minson/Skipper #2 and Street will only get a game if Hudson is injured.

Having Hudson number one, and throwing his body around in the centre, and then resting and having Will come on and do the same will do a lot for our team in the guts. It'll mean another big body in there constantly. I think it could be quite an advantage for us.

[Mofra]

Given Eade's comments about Minson being tried as a forward, it would appear it would be Hudson no1, Skipper/Minson as a forward/no 2 ruck combo.

Street might get a few games against the giants, but 08 could be his last season at the kennel. Cordy drafted in 08, develops in 09, snags a few games in 2010 :)

[macca]

fingers cross Minson and skipper get some work on their leading and timing. I remember seeing Minson a couple of times in '06 sitting in the forward line square whlist we had the ball in the midfield, and not leading. He just sat there??? The bloke has this idea that he can take a contested mark ,but has yet fully developed the body like a brown or a lynch ( but they also had great timing and agility to push off opponents).

Does anyone know who is working on their forward line skills ? Maybe granty can teach them this in the preseason.

[bornadog]

fingers cross Minson and skipper get some work on their leading and timing. I remember seeing Minson a couple of times in '06 sitting in the forward line square whlist we had the ball in the midfield, and not leading. He just sat there??? The bloke has this idea that he can take a contested mark ,but has yet fully developed the body like a brown or a lynch ( but they also had great timing and agility to push off opponents).

Does anyone know who is working on their forward line skills ? Maybe granty can teach them this in the preseason.

Skipper will be out of action for a few months with a broken foot, so he is probably going to miss some presason, depending on how serious it is.

[bornadog]

Clearly Hudson will get first crack at the number 1 ruck spot, but I am not prepared to write off Street just yet. I am one of the few who rate his centre square work and believe he has the skills to be more useful around the ground than hes been previously. Basically I think he is more talented than he gets the credit for being.

Yes I expect to be lambasted for this - but Street is a good kick for goal for a guy his height and is coordinated - hes shown flashes of great skills. Clearly he is under the most pressure hes ever been in with his time with us and its up to him to respond.

.

BR, I am probably one of the few that agree with you about Street. If you have a look at some of his games last year, particlulary the final, he really got us going. He needs to work on his marking in the forward line and then he wil be useful after the centre bounce. He rarely misses set shots for goals.

[Sockeye Salmon]

BR, I am probably one of the few that agree with you about Street. If you have a look at some of his games last year, particlulary the final, he really got us going. He needs to work on his marking in the forward line and then he wil be useful after the centre bounce. He rarely misses set shots for goals.

He rarely gets shots at goal.

Get over him, he is a liability and the recruitment of Hudson spells the death knell for Street.

[GVGjr]

Dogs chase Port's White
05 October 2007 Herald Sun
Michelangelo Rucci and Daryl Timms

PORT Adelaide key forward Damon White is the Western Bulldogs' new target in the AFL trade period, which starts on Monday.

But the Power last night declared the Bulldogs would have to make a significant offer before 24-year-old White is released from his contract, which extends to next season.

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade yesterday signalled his desire to trade for White after losing out on Adelaide's Ken McGregor, who has signed a new two-year deal at West Lakes.

"Damon White is on a list of about six or seven guys who at various stages we'll make some inquiries about," Eade said.

White has asked Port to consider him as a trade option.

But Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said the Bulldogs had made no attractive offer for White.

"We've made it clear we want Damon at Port Adelaide next year. If we get the right offer, we'll consider it. But so far nothing that can be regarded as the right offer has come to the table," Rohde said.

Port has interest in Western Bulldogs defender Jordan McMahon, who is out of contract and was drafted from SANFL club Glenelg as a first-round pick in 2000. But Eade says the 24-year-old will sign a new deal with the Bulldogs.

Up for trade at the Bulldogs is out-of-contract Sam Power, who has also asked to consider options at another club.

Eade suggested the Bulldogs would also do a deal for Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson rather than simply wait for the pre-season draft in December, when they can claim the 28-year-old with the No. 4 pick.

This would take Hudson to Whitten Oval with no compensation for the Crows.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Crows must recruit better, says Ricciuto
October 4, 2007 - 6:58PM

Retired Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto says the Crows' recruiting staff will be under extreme pressure to do better in the forthcoming trade and draft periods as they battle to keep up with the likes of AFL premiers Geelong.

Ricciuto is adamant Adelaide have "no room for error" in their recruiting during the off-season and those beyond as they seek to replenish the squad from the current loss of Ricciuto, Ben Hudson and John Meesen.

Also affecting the Crows' thinking will be the none too distant departures of Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod and Nathan Bassett - club stalwarts who are all on the wrong side of 30.

Ruckmen Hudson and Meesen have both walked out on the club in order to seek greener pastures in Melbourne, Hudson nominating the Western Bulldogs and Meesen looking to be traded to the Demons.

Acknowledging Hudson's integral role in the Crows' midfield in 2005 and 2007 - he missed 2006 due to a knee reconstruction - Ricciuto said it would be a "huge loss" to the Crows, particularly if they received nothing in return for him.

"I think over the next few years the club haven't got any room for error in their recruiting, so they need to do that very well, there's a bit of pressure on there," Ricciuto told AAP.

"It'll be a huge loss for Adelaide, losing Benny Hudson, especially if they don't get a lot for him.

"It's just going to put a huge amount of pressure on (Ivan) Maric, (Jon) Griffin, (Kurt) Tippett and (Rhett) Biglands.

"They've still got four ruckmen, Maric and Griffin are getting to the age where they need to start playing better footy, they improved this year, but Tippett's been unlucky with injury so there's a bit of pressure on those guys.

"Hopefully the club get something for Benny Hudson, but if he goes to the Bulldogs in the pre-season draft and they get nothing for him, it'll be a huge loss."

Also of concern to Ricciuto was Adelaide's skill level, which dropped away dramatically in 2007 following a club decision to ease off the pre-season training schedules of 2005 and 2006.

"Our skills were down for a majority of the year so I'd expect they do quite a bit of work on those over the summer," Ricciuto said.

"Perhaps they need to get a little more enjoyment back into it too."

Ricciuto concedes his life has been now less hectic since retiring from AFL football when the Crows were eliminated in the first week of the finals.

Thursday night's launch of his biography "Roo", at the Ricciuto-owned Alma Tavern, is set to hand him another round of autograph signings and promotional tours before he can get away from Adelaide for a long-awaited fishing sojourn.

[Bulldog Revolution]

For my money this is the key quote in the whole thing:



"Damon White is on a list of about six or seven guys who at various stages we'll make some inquiries about," Eade said.


I dont think there is a huge desire to trade for White - I think he is exactly what Rocket says, on a list of guys they are going to inquire about and assess what it would take to get them.

[macca]

How did skipper break his foot ? That is a damn pity, as I would've like to see skip get a big preseason under his belt and see how much of a crack he makes of it next year. I think Peter Streety will have a BIG preseason, knowing that he has to put in big time this year.

[Dogs 24/7]

How did skipper break his foot ? That is a damn pity, as I would've like to see skip get a big preseason under his belt and see how much of a crack he makes of it next year. I think Peter Streety will have a BIG preseason, knowing that he has to put in big time this year.
Im not sure how he broke his foot but it is bad luck for Skipper. With an extra ruckman likely to be at the Doglands next year and Minson coming back from some injuries he could have done with a full preseason

[LostDoggy]

How did skipper break his foot ? That is a damn pity, as I would've like to see skip get a big preseason under his belt and see how much of a crack he makes of it next year.

The last game against North is a possibility as he didn't reappear after chasing for 100m.

[Topdog]

We will apparently be getting a guy who comes 6th in Adelaides B&F

[Mofra]

We will apparently be getting a guy who comes 6th in Adelaides B&F
He will be a great fit for the Bulldogs, our terrible clearance rate vs his second efforts seems to lead to a happy union.

[dog town]

Tony Jones just said on channel nine news that we have secured the Hudson trade. Mentioned it right at the end and said it had only happened moments ago.

[Go_Dogs]

I think it was a good move to do a deal. Although obviously we could have really done the Crows over, karma and future negotiations will probably benefit from us giving them something back.

At the moment my fingers are crossed, and I'm repeating '3rd rounder, 3rd rounder'

[LostDoggy]

By the sounds of it the trade has been done according to a thread on bsbf

[southerncross]

Dogs get their man Hudson (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22560339%255E20322,00.html)

THE Western Bulldogs have landed their No. 1 trade priority, ruckman Ben Hudson.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5694136,00.jpg Former Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson will join the Western Bulldogs on a three-year deal next year, which has disappointed some Crows. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Hudson will join the Dogs on a three-year deal after Adelaide yesterday agreed in principle to a swap.
"He will be at the Bulldogs. It has been agreed to," Dogs recruiting manager Scott Clayton said last night.
The trade will become official when the paperwork is submitted on Friday.
The only matter holding up the rubber stamp is which pick the Dogs will exchange.
It is likely to be somewhere between 22 to 29, depending on moves later in the week.
The number may depend on the outcome of any trade involving Jordan McMahon, who returns from Koh Samui, Thailand today to sort out his future. McMahon was due back on Friday, but decided to return earlier to meet with manager Alex McDonald.
The running defender remains highly rated at the Dogs, but it is yet to agree to a new contract.
Both Richmond and Port Adelaide have shown interest and McMahon could be on the move -- but the Dogs won't let him go cheaply.
McMahon started his career under Tigers coach Terry Wallace.
"It's all up in the air at the moment," McDonald said.
"Some clubs have shown interest and we need to work out where he sits with the Bulldogs."
Tim Callan, winner of Geelong's VFL best-and-fairest, will also be a Bulldog next year.
Like the Hudson deal, it only needs to be rubber-stamped on Friday. A late pick will be enough for the Dogs to get their hands on the tagging option.
Hudson was in London yesterday, and on his way to the Greek Islands, when his manager Peter Lenton texted him with the news the deal would go ahead.
Clayton had been eyeing Hudson, a big-bodied ruckman, for some time.
"We're very pleased to get him on our list," Clayton said.
"He had lived in Melbourne previously and was keen to come back here."
Hudson, 28, finished sixth in Saturday night's Adelaide best-and-fairest count, but did not attend.
He was second overall in the competition this year for hardball gets.
Several senior Crows have bemoaned losing Hudson, including Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod.
McLeod told Crows fans at the Malcolm Blight Medal presentation that the loss of Hudson was "disheartening".
"Ben's been good for us, especially when Rhett (Biglands) went down," McLeod said.
"He carried the ruck this year and it's going to be tough to fill his shoes.
"It's not just the ruck contest that stands out, it's (his) second efforts, too. He was up there in the league for hardball gets."
Adelaide has also lost defender Martin Mattner to Sydney.
The Crows agreed to trade the dashing half-back for pick No. 28 in the draft.
Mattner played 98 games in six seasons with Adelaide, but was dropped for the Crows' elimination final loss to Hawthorn.
Richmond football director Greg Miller yesterday said clubs have shown interest in Danny Meyer, Jay Schulz and Brent Hartigan.
Meanwhile, Bulldogs assistant coach Sean Wellman has resigned and is pursing other opportunities in the AFL.