2021 Fantasy: Top 10 Rucks

The 2021 H&A season is set to begin on March 18, @aflratingsPete ranks the Top 10 Rucks in AFL Fantasy classic. 

1.Brodie Grundy (Collingwood) $867K

Grundy under performed last season from his usual high standards, the Collingwood No.1 ruck looks fresh to start the 2021 season & appears to be very good value at Round 1. Ownership will be strong to start the season but there is likely too much potential upside to ignore, with a strong start he may be a difficult trade upgrade for those that don’t lock him in at Round 1.

Season Projection: 120

2. Max Gawn (Melbourne) $944K

Despite the improvement of Luke Jackson in the off-season Gawn should be able to provide an excellent return this year, whether he rests forward or sits as a loose in defence the scoring rate likely won’t alter a great deal in general play. Gawn starts with a hefty price tag to begin the season & may see a slide in salary at some point, many will see that as an opportunity to spend elsewhere at the ruck position which should result in a favourable ownership situation at Round 1. 

Season Projection: 120

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3. Reilly O’Brien (Adelaide) $828K

Less than 2 years ago O’Brien was on the outside looking in, an early season injury to Sam Jacobs allowed him to assume the No.1 Ruck spot at the Crows by the end of 2019. O’Brien has a genuine points ceiling  which he can hit in favourable match-ups, ownership will be low to start the season which can provide a point of difference. He will be a wise investment if he can narrow the gap on Grundy & Gawn this season..

Season Projection: 110

4. Todd Goldstein (Nth Melbourne) $760K

Goldstein will start the 2021 season at the age of 32, there is currently no sign of major regression for the No.1 ruck at the Kangaroos. Expect heavy usage for Goldstein this season at the ruck position with periods of time spent as a resting forward instead of an interchange rotation, he should be very low owned to begin the 2021 season. 

Season Projection: 95

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5. Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast) $615K

Witts is projecting as a very good value option to begin the 2021 season, his salary appears to be well under what his historical fantasy average at Gold Coast was prior to 2020. Witts has a decent built-in points floor with his Hit Outs, expect him to be ranked highly in that category again this season. If your are looking for a point of difference & a different path to potential success this season then Witts provides salary relief at the ruck position, he’ll be a step below the top tier rucks in AFL Fantasy this season but that can be overcome using the spare salary at other positions.

Season Projection: 95

6. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda) $738K

Marshall will begin the 2021 season sidelined with a foot injury, it is expected that he will return shortly after the season commences. Even with a shared role at the ruck position last season Marshall was still able to deliver from a fantasy perspective, his DPP RUCK/FWD status may make him a valuable asset down the stretch in the AFL Fantasy season especially with added Ruck cover that he provides. There is no rush to trade Marshall in when he does return, it’s worthwhile assessing his situation prior to making a final decision.

Season Projection: 95

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7. Toby Nankervis (Richmond) $556K

With Ivan Soldo still recovering from an ACL injury Nankervis is set to see a heavier workload early in the season, his Round 1 salary is value based on his role as the leading ruck at the Tigers. Nankervis has had his injury issues in the last 2 years, however between 2017-18 he played in 95.9% of games averaging 87.7pts over the same period. With the increase in usage this season it may also increase the risk of injury or the potential for a rest, the salary saving may outweigh the potential risk.

Season Projection: 85

8. Nic Naitanui (West Coast) $653K

Naitanui is expected to see a small increase in minutes per game this season with the reduced interchange rotations now down to 75, he will likely be in a shared situation for most of the season but he’s still the main guy. The potential for rest during the season is likely moderate to high, if heading down this path a playing ruck bench is absolutely necessary. Ownership will likely be low for most of the season.  

Season Projection: 85

9. Marc Pittonet (Carlton) $522K

Pittonet finally was given an opportunity to be a clear No.1 ruck option at the Blues last season & he didn’t disappoint from a fantasy perspective early, with Tom DeKoning set to miss the opening games of the season Pittonet should again have a clear opportunity early to put up some decent numbers. A clear set plan to move on from Pittonet is required once DeKoning is available to return, hopefully there will be enough games as clear No.1 ruck to generate a decent profit from his starting salary. 

Season Projection: 85

10. Oscar McInerney (Brisbane) $550K

McInerney will assume a clear No.1 ruck role at the Lions this season, with the departure of Stef Martin to the Bulldogs the move away from a shared role by the coaching staff should provide an opportunity for McInerney to deliver at a decent fantasy scoring rate. His Round 1 salary does provide a little bit of value based on his previous historical scoring output, a decent edge is possible if he can take his fantasy game to the next level in a solo ruck situation. Ownership will be low. 

Season Projection: 80

Article by @aflratingsPete 

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