ADELAIDE

After a sensational 2014 campaign it would come as no surprise that Sam Jacobs will again lead the Crows' ruck department. Jacobs was one of the club's best last year, playing every game and finishing the year third in the League for hit-outs. Josh Jenkins will again be called upon to help out, but while his ruck work is steadily improving he'll spend the vast bulk of his time in attack. The introduction of Luke Lowden from Hawthorn offers the club a contingency plan, the role Angus Graham played from 2013-14. Walsh would hope that Lowden could assert greater pressure on Jacobs and Jenkins than Graham did though. Rookie Jack Osborn is the tallest player on the club's list at 205cm and has made solid progress in the SANFL since 2012, while fellow rookie Reilly O'Brien will look to impress coaching staff in his first year as an AFL player. – Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS

In Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin, the Lions have potentially one of the most exciting ruck combinations in the League – if they can stay on the park. Leuenberger is a proven force at stoppages with good mobility around the ground, while Martin's career-revival was nothing short of spectacular in the back half of 2014. Coach Justin Leppitsch is keen to play the pair together as he did against Geelong in round 23, with Leuenberger starting in the centre and Martin up forward, but capable of switching. However, the duo have checkered injury histories to say the least, having missed more matches than they've played over long careers. A full season from both is an exciting prospect for the Lions and one that could push them up the ladder. Waiting in the wings is Geelong premiership player Trent West, who should return from his ACL injury early in the season and is a quality back-up should either succumb to poor form or injury. Academy draftee Harris Andrews is a hulking 18-year-old but will do well to play games early in his development, while second-year rookie Archie Smith made huge strides last year and is expected to do so again in 2015. – Michael Whiting

CARLTON

The Blues' ruck division will be strengthened this year by the return of Matthew Kreuzer. A recurring right foot injury sidelined Kreuzer for all bar one game in 2014, but 2007's No.1 draft pick has been one of the Blues' best trainers so far this pre-season. Kreuzer is Carlton's most flexible ruckman and coach Mick Malthouse foreshadowed last month that the 25-year-old is likely to divide his time between attack and the ruck this season, with the former Northern Knight working hard on his forward-line play this summer. Kreuzer's dual role will leave Robert Warnock and rookie Cameron Wood to battle it out for the Blues' No. 1 ruck spot. Warnock carried this mantle for Carlton's first 16 games last year, but he then fell out of favour with Malthouse preferring Wood, who he coached at Collingwood from 2008-11, for the final six rounds. Wood's strong finish to the season earned him a new two-year contract, but he was not elevated to Carlton's senior list at the end of the year. Warnock and Wood's performances in the NAB Challenge will likely determine who the Blues name for their round one clash with Richmond. - Nick Bowen

COLLINGWOOD

Experience in the ruck is not Collingwood's forte, but what it does have is two emerging ruckmen who could form an effective partnership for 10-plus years. Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts are 20 and 22, respectively, and still have a lot to learn about the rucking caper. However, the young pair has proven competitive and are willing to learn. Grundy, after a stalled 2014 campaign, will be in much better shape this year, having looked fit and lean through the pre-season. Witts is coming off post-season shoulder surgery and was held out of full training until after the Christmas break. But he has caught up quickly and is back out on the track with teammates. Where the Magpies will be tested is if one, or worse still, two of their young ruckmen go down with injury. Mason Cox, the club's 211cm rookie American recruit will need a couple of development years in the VFL before being ready for senior football. Jesse White may spend some time in the ruck, in addition to his forward line duties, while Lachlan Keeffe can pinch-hit if required. Young tall Corey Gault can also do some rucking at forward line stoppages. – Ben Guthrie

ESSENDON

Plenty will be asked of Tom Bellchambers coming off an injury-ravaged year as the Bombers seek to cover a Paddy Ryder-sized hole in their ruck division. Bellchambers only played eight games in 2014 as he battled his way back from an ankle reconstruction in January. Despite follow-up surgery in September the 202cm big man's fitness is better than it was two years ago, ruck coach Steve Alessio told the club's website this week. Vying for the No.1 ruck spot is recruit Jonathan Giles, who played 51 games in three seasons for Greater Western Sydney but slid down the pecking order behind Shane Mumford last year. Former Adelaide ruck/key position Shaun McKernan is also waiting in the wings on the rookie list and, provided his big men stay fit, coach James Hird should enjoy some flexibility with balancing his ruck stocks. Key forwards Joe Daniher and Jake Carlisle have shown they are more than capable with their tapwork and are sure to be called upon to pinch-hit again next season. – Travis King

Former Giant Jonathan Giles will be looking to shine at his new club. Picture: AFL Media



FREMANTLE

The Dockers will once again be led in the ruck by Aaron Sandilands who is coming off a superb 2014 where he was named All Australian for the fourth time and finished second in the club's best and fairest. Zac Clarke will remain his back up, but an ongoing knee issue hampered Clarke's trademark athleticism in 2014 and he will be hoping for a better 2015. Jack Hannath continues to develop but given Sandilands' age and injury history, Hannath needs to be prepared step into the breach sooner rather than later. Jonathon Griffin is an experienced ruckman who is capable of filling a role whenever he is required but he is yet to recapture the form he displayed in early 2013 before rupturing his ACL. Michael Apeness is a 200cm beast and is being groomed for a key forward post but he will no doubt be developing his ruck skills to give the Dockers flexibility. Rookie Craig Moller will continue his long-term development in 2015. - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG

The Cats' ruck stocks have been decidedly thin in recent years and the lack of a key big man again played its part in Geelong's 2014 finals failure. That's why recruiting manager Stephen Wells saw it as vital to bring Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley into the fold. Clark and Stanley are not traditional ruckmen but their versatility and mobility make them important additions through the forward and centre lines in 2015. Working out their preferred ruck setup will be a tough one for the Cats, with a number of options at their disposal. Hamish McIntosh and Dawson Simpson were used in partnership in 10 games last seaso but it was clear by the end of the year that Geelong could not play both in the same side. Both McIntosh and Simpson have had injury-interrupted pre-seasons and have a battle on their hands to prove they deserve a place in the side. When he's being deployed on the wing, in defence, or in attack, Geelong'severywhere man Mark Blicavs can also step into the ruck and act as another 'follower', considering his elite running capacity and general mobility. However, it remains to be seen whether the Cats will risk Nathan Vardy in the ruck when he returns from his latest bout of knee surgery. Considering his lengthy injury history, the feeling is the athletic big man will be used exclusively as a forward. – Ben Guthrie



GOLD COAST

The battle for the top ruck spot at the Suns is intriguing, with Tom Nicholls and Zac Smith fighting for the round one start. Both are coming off long-term injuries and play a similar style – good at stoppages and around the ground, but not much of a forward threat – so it is unlikely they could squeeze into the same 22 together. Nicholls has played just 15 games but shown enormous promise, while Smith's career has plateaued, partly due to injuries, since his outstanding first season. Pre-season form may be the ultimate judge, but Nicholls could just have his nose in front. Charlie Dixon is the perfect forward/ruck complement to whoever gets the number one job. When thrown into the ruck, the aggressive Queenslander is competitive both in the air and when the ball hits the ground, and is a crucial member of Gold Coast's line-up. Daniel Gorringe is a terrific athlete and had some chances late in 2014, but hasn't been able to grasp them at this stage. However, entering his fifth season, Gorringe is at an age where ruckmen begin to develop and he should be knocking on the door if there's a slip up from above. The Suns also drafted in mature rookie Keegan Brooksby from South Australia to step in if required, while 'Two-metre Peter' – draftee Peter Wright – also has ability to play in the ruck. – Michael Whiting

Draftee Peter Wright has boosted the Suns' big man stocks. Picture: AFL Media



GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Few players can claim as much importance to their team as Giants ruckman Shane Mumford. The bullocking 198cm big man was the Kevin Sheedy medallist in 2014, despite only playing 17 games after he headed west from the Sydney Swans. Mumford carried the ruck division and it was no coincidence he played in all six of GWS' wins. The Giants face an interesting selection debate about how to provide 'Mummy' with a chop-out in 2015. They allowed back-up Jonathan Giles and part-timer Tom Boyd to depart during the NAB AFL Trade Period, while another pinch-hitter Jonathon Patton is on the comeback from a second knee reconstruction. The race for a No.2 spot could be wide open between several developing young rucks. Andrew Phillips, who has played 10 games but battled injury, has shown he is capable if he can stay fit. But Rory Lobb (two games), the tallest Giant at 205cm, or developing Tom Downie (one) will be keen to take the next step. If Giants coach Leon Cameron prefers a pinch-hitter, then promising 198cm key forward James Stewart could follow in the footsteps of his father, Craig, who was a ruck/forward for Richmond and Collingwood. – Travis King

HAWTHORN

Three ready-made senior ruckmen, two spots up for grabs. Gentlemen, let the battle begin. Ben McEvoy and David Hale played in the Grand Final last year so they are the incumbents. After a patchy first year with the Hawks, McEvoy was a surprise inclusion for the Grand Final and performed really well. Hale was quieter against the Swans, but again played a key role throughout the year both as a tall marking forward and competent relief ruckman. Jonathan Ceglar was the hard-luck story of 2014, playing 15 games including the qualifying and preliminary finals before being left out for the flag decider. Nevertheless, the Hawks would be very comfortable if he played most games this year. With Luke Lowden traded to Adelaide, the Hawks went to the NAB AFL National Draft to replenish their ruck stocks and took Marc Pittonet from the Oakleigh Chargers with the 50th overall selection. At 201cm and 100kg he was one of only two ruckmen selected at the draft and he at least has the size to play senior footy this year if the injury bug bites. Look for him to learn his craft under shrewd ruck coach Damian Monkhorst and to develop quietly at Box Hill. – Ashley Browne

MELBOURNE

In the final year of his contract Mark Jamar, 31, needs to produce to retain his hold on the number one ruck spot. He is a good player and showed glimpses of his best last season, but Max Gawn, 23, is breathing down his neck. If Gawn remains injury free he shapes as an excellent replacement, as he can play forward, is mobile and can make good decisions. The Demons have shown a willingness to play two ruckmen in the team, but are more flexible with just one in the 22. Jake Spencer, 25, fills a stop-gap role, relying on effort and strength to make a contribution while rookie Max King, 19, needs to knuckle down to take his chance. Jack Fitzpatrick, 23, can assume ruck duties up forward but does not shape as a realistic centre-square option. – Peter Ryan

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Roos' ruck division has been carried almost singlehandedly by Todd Goldstein for the past four seasons and that is highly unlikely to change in 2015. Goldstein is now one of the Roos' best players and has played his best football when rucking on his own with an occasional hand from forwards Drew Petrie, Ben Brown and Majak Daw. North played Daniel Currie alongside Goldstein in three games early last season, but the former Sydney Swan struggled to have an impact as a forward/ruckman. Currie was solid as the Roos' No. 1 ruckman in round 23 last year when Goldstein was rested ahead of the finals, but the capable understudy is only likely to get a run in 2015 if Goldstein is injured. North bolstered its ruck stocks in last year's rookie draft, snaring 205cm Queenslander Braydon Preuss. The 20-year-old is a latecomer to football, having played rugby league as a junior, and will spend 2015 developing with the Roos' VFL affiliate North Ballarat. - Nick Bowen

Todd Goldstein will again carry the load for the Roos in 2015. Picture: AFL Media



PORT ADELAIDE

Having emerged in 2014 as one of the premier ruckman of the competition, Matthew Lobbe will look to further build his reputation this season alongside another of the game's elite big men in Patrick Ryder. The pair is tipped to form one of the most damaging duos in the game, switching between the forward line and the ruck. They're certain starters, but if Jarrad Redden can find and maintain his fitness, Lobbe in particular could start feeling some pressure. Redden has endured a horrific run of injuries and it's easy to forget that he started the 2012 season ahead of Lobbe in the ruck pecking order. Given Ryder's presence Jackson Trengove won't spend nearly as much time rucking at centre bounces as he did last year, but he has proved he's capable of pinch-hitting when called upon. Young draftee Billy Frampton is a long-term prospect and will spend the year settling into life as an elite athlete in the SANFL. – Harry Thring

RICHMOND

Last year showed that Richmond is clearly a better team with a fit Ivan Maric leading the ruck. After winning just three of nine games while Maric was sidelined with an ankle injury, the Tigers won nine of their last 14 when the big man returned. A heart and soul player at Tigerland, he has been elevated to joint vice-captain this year alongside Brett Deledio. Shaun Hampson led the ruck while Maric was injured last year, but he was sent back to the VFL when the No.1 ruckman resumed. Both are in full training this summer, giving Richmond the option of a two-pronged assault in 2015. Rather than playing two genuine ruckmen last year, the Tigers preferred to use Ben Griffiths or Ty Vickery as pinch-hit options. Todd Elton is entering his fourth year on the list and playing in the ruck is an option for the 197cm tall, who has worked on becoming more competitive. Meanwhile, project player Ivan Soldo, a cousin of Maric, has made giant strides this summer. Soldo is learning the game as a category B rookie after representing the ACT in basketball. – Nathan Schmook

ST KILDA

Tom Hickey enters the new season as St Kilda's No.1 ruckman, but he is rebounding from an injury-ruined season that saw Billy Longer carry the load for all but six games. Hickey is progressing through his running program after patella tendon surgery at the end of 2014, and he should resume full training within four weeks. The 24-year-old took on ruck coach duties last season while injured, studying teammates and upcoming opponents and gaining an insight into how his own game would need to develop this year. Longer, meanwhile, played 16 matches, holding his own at times but struggling when matched up on the game's premier big men like Matthew Lobbe and Sam Jacobs. Improving his impact around the ground is a key area for the 21-year-old to focus on, which would make it possible for the Saints to play both in the same team this season. American Jason Holmes, 24, made giant strides in the VFL last season and the 203cm big man will generate more excitement if he can develop his game sense after 12 months on the Saints' rookie list. Youngster Lewis Pierce, 20, remains a developing prospect entering his third season. – Nathan Schmook

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans are entering a period of transition in the ruck and it is one area of the ground that could be hurt by the club's trade restrictions. Mike Pyke, who increased his workload last season after the departure of Shane Mumford to GWS, will enter 2015 as the Swans' No.1 big man. Pyke will be 31 before the start of the season and he will need support from the Swans' developing ruckmen. Recruited from Richmond where he could only manage two games in three seasons, Tom Derickx has spent one year with the Swans and appears first in line. The 27-year-old was immediately called on last season, playing 12 games between round two and 14. Toby Nankervis has a strong body for a 20-year-old and he could be a breakout contender in 2015 after one season on the Swans' list. A ruckman who can also play forward, the 199cm Tasmanian kicked 30 goals in the NEAFL last year.Rookie Sam Naismith was the Swans' No.1 ruckman in the NEAFL in 2014, managing one game at AFL level. Adding long-term depth, draftee Sean McLaren is a developing ruckman who has also played in defence at underage level. – Nathan Schmook

Mike Pyke will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 this year. Picture: AFL Media



WEST COAST

The ruck logjam at the Eagles has eased somewhat with the retirement of Dean Cox but there are still three guys capable of filling permanent roles. Nic Naitanui is coming off his best pre-season since 2012 and is raring to go as the number one ruckman. Scott Lycett's outstanding development in 2014 made life difficult at the selection table for the Eagles' match committee and appears the number two choice after signing a long-term contract last year. Callum Sinclair has been elevated off the rookie list. He has performed well in limited opportunities and will continue to work hard at WAFL level to press his case for a permanent berth in the starting 22. Beyond those three the options do start to dry up. Jeremy McGovern had a breakout year in 2014 and showed tremendous versatility playing both forward and back. He did pinch hit in the ruck briefly when necessary but the Eagles hierarchy would prefer to avoid that from here on. Fraser McInnes is also a key forward but at 197cm he is capable of playing a ruck role and has done so at WAFL level. - Alex Malcolm

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Will Minson is coming off an indifferent season that saw him dropped after being All Australian the year before. If the 29-year-old can't return to top form under new coach Luke Beveridge, Tom Campbell is ready to assume the mantle as the Dogs' No.1 ruckman. The 23-year-old has dominated in the VFL, shown he's capable at AFL level and can take a strong mark up forward. After only 20 games in six seasons, injury-prone Ayce Cordy really needs a big year. The 24-year-old has been tried forward and back, but the ruck looks his best position. At 204cm, Cordy has great agility and mobility, but he needs to work on his physicality at the stoppages and take more marks around the ground. Hulking forward Jack Redpath is capable of giving the No.1 man a chop out as he showed in his three career games last year, with the 24-year-old's physicality impressive. And with the jury still out on whether recently appointed vice-captain Jordan Roughead is a long-term key defender, a return to his old role as a ruck/forward may not be out of the question. – Ryan Davidson