Do we need a fulltime ruck coach?

[GVGjr]

I noticed at the East West Day, Eade was asked a question about who would be coaching the rucks this year. Eade went on to say that originally Scott Wynd had resigned from the position due to work commitments however, after selling his business he was now available to help out during the week on a part time basis.
Match day the Rucks would be looked after by the stoppages coach, Wayne Campbell.

Is this really sufficient given the vital role that Rucks play in todays game?

I know Eade probably is one of those coaches that doesn't place a great emphasis on rucks but I find it surprising that we do not appear to be giving our talls the benefit of some specialised coaching.
Aside from Darcy who might now only be a part time option anyway wouldn't Minson and Street still need some coaching?
Surely McDougall and even some of the part timers like Wight could gain some additional skills with some one on one tuition?

Is a ruck coach an outdated part of todays game?

[Hard Ball Get]

If we didnt have Darcy then I would be pretty insistant on getting a ruck coach full time if I was involved in that area of the club. I think with Darc there the younger blokes can learn a lot from him and Darcy can still work with Wynd part time.

Personally I don't have a big problem with it.

[Sockeye Salmon]

There's nothing that Wynd could help them with on matchday that Campbell couldn't.

Matchday's are about strategies, training is for technique.

[Dry Rot]

How do those who go to training think of Campbell these days?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

There's nothing that Wynd could help them with on matchday that Campbell couldn't.

Matchday's are about strategies, training is for technique.

Spot on SS.

Wynd will be needed for the technique. About how they can perform certain movements, and how they can combat the opposition ruckmen's ability if he's winning the taps.

As far as Match Day though, they should be right - they'll have the different techniques in place and then it's just a matter of basing a strategy around those at particular times during the matches. I'm not sure if Campbell qualifies - but certainly I don't think it's a must for Wynd to be there. It might perhaps even work out better. For instance, a bit of both - Wynd doing what he does best in teaching the technique and Campbell doing what he does best, working with strategies.

From a supporters perspective, it does seem Eade & Clayton for that matter don't rate Ruckmen and their role as great as others. Whether or not they are right is another story for another day, but I hope we don't end up like St. Kilda.

Nevertheless; we don't have GT, we've got Rocket and I trust he knows what he's doing.

[Dry Rot]

Agreed. Arguably you can sus out an opposition ruck by video, but on match day the opposition midfield set-up can perhaps change more.

Obviously the jury is out on Campell's role so far, but if he can radically improve our clearances then he's a hero, whatever our mutual history.

[LostDoggy]

There's nothing that Wynd could help them with on matchday that Campbell couldn't.

Matchday's are about strategies, training is for technique.


You are probably spot on here but my concern is that Minson and Street will not improve their craft if we don't allocate sufficient and quality resources. Given that we never seem to draft any up and coming ruckman I suppose it's not like they are trying to develop any younger ruckman.

[westdog54]

You are probably spot on here but my concern is that Minson and Street will not improve their craft if we don't allocate sufficient and quality resources. Given that we never seem to draft any up and coming ruckman I suppose it's not like they are trying to develop any younger ruckman.

They key here then is making sure that Wynd is given enough time during the week to ensure that these guys get the attention they need. Wynd has made himself available in a part-time role, its now up to Eade and the Football Department to ensure that the time he spends at the club is used effectively.

I also agree 100% with GVRjr's point about Doogs and Wight. They need to be shown a few basics from week to week also. Again it comes down to that time management issue, making sure everyone gets the support/attention they need during the week.

[bresker]

Has anyone seen our rucks actually practicising ruck work?

They take part in all the main drills but I've never seen Street, Minson or Skipper work on their own together. I saw Streety and Minson taking marks on each other a few weeks back but that's all.

Do they practice the art at other times away from main group training?

If Wayne Campbell is some sort of part-time ruck coach he does a good job of hiding it.

[LostDoggy]

I have attended a heap of sessions but I haven't seen the rucks go through specialised training at all. My guess is that it occurs on the closed sessions.

[alwaysadog]

it does seem Eade & Clayton for that matter don't rate Ruckmen and their role as great as others.

I don't think you understand their position. Clayton is on record as saying that the problem with recruiting young ruckmen is that they may never develop the necessary body for the collision aspects of the ruck craft. Rocket made it clear that they had not been able to get a suitable replacement for Wynd, and so were pleased to have his services part time.

There is now no shortage of coaches. In theory anyone can coach the tactical aspects of the craft and analyse and advise during the game. What a former ruckman is needed for is the technical demonstration competition aspects.

While it is not ideal we should be able to make do with these arrangements. You can be sure if they don't work Rocket will act sooner rather than later.

[BulldogBelle]

Looks like the club don't see the need for a "fulltime" ruck coach or it doesn't figure in their plans as much. From memory I don't think Gary Dempsey was ever a fulltime ruck coach when he was at the club.

[MrMahatma]

Are we going to have one for 2008?

[LostDoggy]

Libba?
Don't know thats such a stupid suggestion. Though he he might not be able to teach them technique and least he tell them where to hit it.

[LostDoggy]

I met Campbell on the plane coming back from our Adelaide game, he sat in the seat behind me, nice bloke. Not sure whether hes the right coach for that job though