bornadog
09-08-2023, 10:20 AM
link (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-big-men-attracting-the-biggest-interest-as-ruck-market-heats-up-20230808-p5dus1.html)
Essendon journeyman Andrew Phillips? retirement on Tuesday ? after 78 games for three clubs, across 13 seasons ? could have ramifications for this year?s ruck merry-go-round.
At age 32, Phillips has already played his most matches in any season (17) while shouldering the load for the Bombers in No.1 ruckman Sam Draper?s injury absence. Draper told Nova FM?s breakfast program he expects to miss just one more match before returning from his hip injury.
But Essendon also have promising out-of-contract big man Nick Bryan on their list. His six senior appearances this year take his career total to 12 since the Bombers used the No.38 pick on him in the 2019 draft.
Bryan, 21, rejected rival interest, primarily from St Kilda, to re-sign for two years in 2021, and Phillips? retirement may pave the way for him to be Draper?s ruck deputy, but he remains without a deal beyond this season. The 203-centimetre ruckman?s competitiveness has been questioned at times, but he has admirers.
The Saints, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney, North Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast are all in the ruck market, while Essendon are also on the lookout, according to list management sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The Phillips news follows Carlton pair Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning and Brisbane Lions back-up Darcy Fort committing to their clubs despite having interest elsewhere.
That leaves the likes of Bryan, Western Bulldogs? Jordon Sweet, Power trio Scott Lycett, Brynn Teakle and Sam Hayes, and Giants duo Matt Flynn and Braydon Preuss, who have fallen behind emerging big man Kieren Briggs.
The Blues were one club monitoring Flynn?s situation until De Koning re-signed. GWS also have category B ruckman Nick Madden, so there is a good chance one of Flynn or Preuss is playing elsewhere in 2024.
Geelong?s Rhys Stanley and Jon Ceglar, both 32, are also out of contract, while the future is undecided for North Melbourne great Todd Goldstein, Swan Tom Hickey and St Kilda?s Tom Campbell.
Tiger Ivan Soldo is contracted until the end of next season, but list-management sources who spoke to Money Talks suggested he was gettable in this year?s trade period. There is also ongoing interest in Brodie Grundy?s situation as his stint outside Melbourne?s senior side reaches four games.
Gold Coast?s Ned Moyle is another ruckman who attracted interest, but the Suns have no intention of trading him, especially with Jarrod Witts turning 31 in September.
Essendon journeyman Andrew Phillips? retirement on Tuesday ? after 78 games for three clubs, across 13 seasons ? could have ramifications for this year?s ruck merry-go-round.
At age 32, Phillips has already played his most matches in any season (17) while shouldering the load for the Bombers in No.1 ruckman Sam Draper?s injury absence. Draper told Nova FM?s breakfast program he expects to miss just one more match before returning from his hip injury.
But Essendon also have promising out-of-contract big man Nick Bryan on their list. His six senior appearances this year take his career total to 12 since the Bombers used the No.38 pick on him in the 2019 draft.
Bryan, 21, rejected rival interest, primarily from St Kilda, to re-sign for two years in 2021, and Phillips? retirement may pave the way for him to be Draper?s ruck deputy, but he remains without a deal beyond this season. The 203-centimetre ruckman?s competitiveness has been questioned at times, but he has admirers.
The Saints, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney, North Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast are all in the ruck market, while Essendon are also on the lookout, according to list management sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The Phillips news follows Carlton pair Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning and Brisbane Lions back-up Darcy Fort committing to their clubs despite having interest elsewhere.
That leaves the likes of Bryan, Western Bulldogs? Jordon Sweet, Power trio Scott Lycett, Brynn Teakle and Sam Hayes, and Giants duo Matt Flynn and Braydon Preuss, who have fallen behind emerging big man Kieren Briggs.
The Blues were one club monitoring Flynn?s situation until De Koning re-signed. GWS also have category B ruckman Nick Madden, so there is a good chance one of Flynn or Preuss is playing elsewhere in 2024.
Geelong?s Rhys Stanley and Jon Ceglar, both 32, are also out of contract, while the future is undecided for North Melbourne great Todd Goldstein, Swan Tom Hickey and St Kilda?s Tom Campbell.
Tiger Ivan Soldo is contracted until the end of next season, but list-management sources who spoke to Money Talks suggested he was gettable in this year?s trade period. There is also ongoing interest in Brodie Grundy?s situation as his stint outside Melbourne?s senior side reaches four games.
Gold Coast?s Ned Moyle is another ruckman who attracted interest, but the Suns have no intention of trading him, especially with Jarrod Witts turning 31 in September.