Season 2018 has seen the continued resurgence of the number one ruckman, and the All-Australian team featured the two undeniable best: Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy. Gawn was named on the ground as starting ruck - a decision many felt was a fait accompli - while the younger Grundy was named on the bench in a nod to his amazing year.

Early in the season, there was a distinct difference between the two players - Grundy was less of a hit-out accumulator but dominated around the ground, whereas Gawn monstered opposition rucks in hit-outs and taps to advantage. However, Gawn closed the gap on Grundy when it came to around-the-ground influence and made the first ruck position in the AA team his own.

But what tale do the stats tell?

Grundy is Gawn's junior by two years, and gives away 5cm and 7kg to the bigger, more experienced Demon. But the younger Pie has Gawn covered in several key statistics for season 2018.

Grundy averaged 20.8 disposals in 22 games, whereas Gawn averaged 16.3 over 22. Not a huge difference, but a difference. When you break down those disposals, Grundy's edge comes in contested possesssions - averaging 12.6 to Gawn's 8.6. Grundy had Gawn covered for tackles too, averaging 5.3 to Gawn's 2.5.

And then there's the clearance statistics. Grundy averaged 5.5 clearances per game, whereas Gawn averaged just 2.7. Grundy's edge comes in general stoppage clearances, averaging 3.9 to Gawn's 1.7 per game - emphasising Grundy's impact around the ground.

So why has Gawn been rated higher than Grundy this year?

Gawn had the edge in marks, averaging 4.6 to Grundy's 3.6. Gawn also has Grundy covered in intercepts, averaging 3.9 per game to Grundy's 2.7 - an important aspect of a ruckman's game.

But of course the area Gawn dominates is in the hit-outs. Gawn reached the incredible milestone of 1,000 total hit-outs for the season, breaking the all-time record for a home and away season, averaging an impressive 45.5 per game. Gawn also averaged 16.2 hit-outs to advantage, the most in the league for 2018. Grundy's stats aren't any slouch either - 848 total hit-outs (third in the league) for 38.5 per game (fourth in the league) and 12.3 hit-outs to advantage per game (third in the league).

Solid around-the-ground numbers and absolutely dominant ruck stats put Gawn ahead of Grundy as a ruckman, but there's an argument that Grundy is the more valuable player. With Gawn lining up for his first ever final and Grundy playing his first in five years, it's a tantalising prospect for fans of big men.

But based on the stats, who would you pick?