"Everyone is an expert in retrospect. Our best rucking combination right now is Sandi rucking and Apeness playing forward and pitch-hitting in the ruck".
Morgan I agree that might be our best ruck combo right now but our best team right now might also have DeBoer, Danyle Pearce and Barlow in it too. If we accept we are in a rebuild, then we should be planning for the ultimate setup. I also do agree that we shouldnt have a 2nd ruck on "standby" as an emergency, the chances of Sandi going down in a warm up or on the way to the oval dont warrant it.
Sandi can carry the ruck with help from the Ape or a Tabs, but can Hodor? thats the question that will need answering within a year or so. My guess is no and when Hodor is the main ruckman in a few months, watch everyone call for some back up. Then watch everyone wish we had blooded the others earlier then watch us all call "poor planning".
At least from me it wont be in retrospect. We will wait and see.
I want to see Hodor and Jones come in to the Dockers this week and Meek into the Peel seniors. When Sandi comes back, Jones can be dropped. Apeness forward to help Cox. Leave them there and coach them how to lead.
Unlikely though!