ESSENDON has 17 days to scour the country for another ruckman.



With emerging big man Sam Draper rupturing his ACL this week, it means the Bombers have two fit genuine ruckmen for the final 15 matches – Tom Bellchambers and Zac Clarke.



BIG MAN CRISIS Young Bomber ruck tears ACL



It will ensure the Bombers strongly consider using the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on May 27 where, for the first time since 1993, clubs can add to their list before the end of the year.

MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT See the full list of nominees



While every other club in the AFL has at least three ruckmen at their disposal, Draper's season-ending injury leaves a hole in the Bombers' big-man stocks, but does open a list availability.

Below: Emerging big man Sam Draper in action the VFL





It comes after the Bombers added Clarke during the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) in December as Matthew Leuenberger knocked back the offer of a one-year extension.

Project ruckman Luke Lavender then decided to step away from football in February.

The Bombers even attempted to enter the race for now-Demon rookie Austin Bradtke in 2018.

While forwards Joe Daniher (200cm), Shaun McKernan (196cm) and James Stewart (199cm) have provided back-up in the ruck previously, it would be a big ask to carry the load should Bellchambers or Clarke suffer any setbacks.

MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT Who's having medicals and at what club



It leaves the recruiting department with three weekends to head to all corners of the country to find a ruckman who can provide security in the push to September.

SEVEN RUCK CONTENDERS IN THE MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT

Ajang Ajang – East Perth

22yo, 198cm, 96kg

Just eight games into his WAFL career, the Sudanese big man is already turning heads. Was called upon for last year's elimination final with instant success, collecting 28 hitouts, 13 disposals, two goals. Has now become one of the WAFL's most athletic ruckmen with hitouts to advantage numbers through the roof. One of only two ruckmen set to undergo a medical assessment ahead of the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Jack Blair – North Adelaide

24yo, 206cm, 108kg

Trained with Sydney ahead of last year's drafts before heading to North Adelaide to further his football resume. Started the season in the SANFL league side but was last week dropped to the reserves. A rugby convert, Blair only played his first season of football last year, winning a Premier Division flag for UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney competition. Pushed into football by premiership ruckman Mike Pyke.



BEANSTALK BEAST 112kg rugby convert on trial at Swans

Oliver Eastland – Claremont

21yo, 198cm, 87kg

What Eastland lacks in height, he makes up with his athleticism. Burst onto the scene late last year in the ruck for Claremont, ironically holding his own against Zac Clarke when he was at Subiaco. Received attention in November and was invited to the WA State Draft combine. One of only two ruckmen among the list of 22 players invited for a medical screening ahead of the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Michael Knoll – South Adelaide

26yo, 204cm, 103kg

Will be the SANFL's lone ruckman in Sunday's State clash against the WAFL at Optus Stadium. Playing just his third year of football after a College basketball stint, Knoll crossed from Box Hill last year where he was emergency for the VFL Grand Final behind Marc Pittonet. Landed at South Adelaide this year after the Panthers lost Hayden McLean and Keegan Brooksby via the SSP. Could he be the third in 12 months?

Edyn Sibbald – Essendon VFL

23yo, 200cm, 90kg

Could be one from left-field. Stuck behind Draper and Clarke in Essendon's VFL program, the St Bernard's prospect has now been presented an opening as No.1 ruck. Debuted last year and has athletic traits, however it would be a big ask for him to lead the AFL ruck division. With Clarke on a one-year deal and Draper's injury expected to keep him sidelined for parts of 2020, the Bombers could roll the dice.

Luke Strnadica – East Fremantle

21yo, 203cm, 100kg

Cut by Fremantle at the end of last season, the 21-year-old has returned home to his original WAFL club and been one of the shining lights in a disappointing start to the season. Averaging 32 hitouts from his opening five matches, the former WA Under 18 representative and AFL Academy member simply found himself caught in the Dockers' logjam of talls last season.

Adam Swierzbiolek – Coburg

24yo, 200cm, 107kg

Soccer convert who presents as the ultimate mid-season smokey. Only playing local football 12 months ago, the 24-year-old has now taken the mantle at Coburg as the No.1 ruck. Still plenty of upside in his development, Swierzbiolek's physicality has allowed him to go head-to-head with AFL-listed ruckmen. Averaging 19 hitouts and 10 disposals a game.

MATCH PREVIEW Can the struggling Swans upset the Bombers?





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