The ruck issue may or may not not be the biggest problem Jab, but if it all starts at the source, and we have a game plan that revolves around contested possession and clearance, then it is a big part of the jigsaw. Yes the Jabbers duo outplayed the multiple AA ruckman, but how often do our duo outplay a big plodder from say Freo or Ravens, or Steak'n, let alone an elite ruck, like Grundy? I suggest Zero.TDK is not a very good tap ruckman at this stage- things could click for him at any time or not - I don't know - it changes week to week for most ruckmen according to fitness /opponent set ups what the mids are doing or not. The Essendon ruck Phillips and Draper - 'schooled' GRundy in that game...Pittonet is consistent - at least he doesn't get physically over powered and pushed off the ball- but he is an ordinary ruckman compared to the better ones out there - I agree at this stage they both are nto great positives - but I dont think the ruck is our biggest issue.
I often wonder if TDK could play a role more like his brother does - See ball get ball in the back line, but that would make our current ruck stocks even thinner.
Yep, we looked slow and disorganised a lot on Thursday, but that had a lot to do with Adelaide hitting peak form and method at an emotionally significant time for them. As I said in my opening post, they match up with us very well, quell our strengths, and have a few weapons we cannot counter.