Let's talk about Ruckmen moving forward. I disagree with quite a few posters here that we need to draft a young ruckmen in the National Draft. I believe we trade for someone ready to break through.
My vision is we re-sign ROB soon or early in 2025 as he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent. He is rated as elite in Hit-outs and Hit-outs to advantage. I think the awkward kicking style detracts from how people rate ROB.
Strachan keep for 2025 as contracted but do not re-sign. Start now now for conversations for players we want to trade for.
My list does not include Draper from Essendon. There is room for only 1 Draper at the Crows and that is at Pick 4.
Henry Smith - Brisbane currently 3rd choice behind McInerney and Fort. While Smith played 4 games in 2024. Contracted to end of 2026. He is 21yr old about to turn 22 yr old. 206 cm and Brisbane Profile below:
"The South Australian is a ruckman in the mould of Oscar McInerney who can also trouble defences with his marking when stationed deep forward. Smith is also a very reliable shot at goal. The 18-year-old, taken with the Lions’ third pick in the 2020 NAB AFL draft (48), played Colts at SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens but has filled out rapidly over the past 12 months and at 100kgs, is now physically ready for senior football."
Nick Madden - GWS signed to 2026. A 20 yr old 204 cm 112 kg with no AFL games. Currently 4th choice behind Briggs, Preuss, Keefe and with Academy Top Ruck prospect Logan Smith for 2024 Draft to be included. He is contracted to end of 2026 and find Madden's GWS profile below:
"A rookie selection in 2022, Nick Madden is a 204cm, 112kg ruckman who is an imposing figure and a strong marking target. A GIANTS Academy product from the Riverina, Madden is developing his ruck craft with coach Shane Mumford and played consistent football throughout the VFL in season 2023 to continue to develop his game."
Kalin Lane - Brisbane he is currently injured with ACL late Jun 24. Out of contract this year. Lane is Brisbane's 4th Ruck choice behind McInerney, Fort and Smith. A 22 yr old 205 cm. Find his Brisbane Profile below:
"Another former basketballer to find his way onto the Lions’ list. Lane knocked back a US college scholarship as a teenager to focus on footy and has steadily developed since then. Hailing from south-west West Australia, he played senior country footy in his teens before heading to Perth to further his development. The 205cm ruckman was selected by the Lions in the 2021 mid-season draft after showing encouraging signs for Claremont in the WAFL. After playing two season in the Lions VFL side, Lane continues to develop his ruck craft and will be looking to take off in 2024."
2021 MSD rating by Rookie Me Central
14. Kalin Lane (Claremont)
Ruck | 5/12/01 | 204cm | 95kg
One of the many rucks taken in this draft, Lane is right at the top end of that list when it comes to rate of development. He shot into contention last year and was part the Claremont side which qualified for the WAFL Colts grand final, before continuing his rise in the Reserves this season and even earning a League berth. Averaging 14 disposals and 29 hitouts per game, Lane has improved his impact around the ground and uses his imposing frame to good effect, while boasting the obvious ruck craft trait. He may be considered a long-term option, but bolsters Brisbane’s tall stocks.
My vision is we re-sign ROB soon or early in 2025 as he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent. He is rated as elite in Hit-outs and Hit-outs to advantage. I think the awkward kicking style detracts from how people rate ROB.
Strachan keep for 2025 as contracted but do not re-sign. Start now now for conversations for players we want to trade for.
My list does not include Draper from Essendon. There is room for only 1 Draper at the Crows and that is at Pick 4.
Henry Smith - Brisbane currently 3rd choice behind McInerney and Fort. While Smith played 4 games in 2024. Contracted to end of 2026. He is 21yr old about to turn 22 yr old. 206 cm and Brisbane Profile below:
"The South Australian is a ruckman in the mould of Oscar McInerney who can also trouble defences with his marking when stationed deep forward. Smith is also a very reliable shot at goal. The 18-year-old, taken with the Lions’ third pick in the 2020 NAB AFL draft (48), played Colts at SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens but has filled out rapidly over the past 12 months and at 100kgs, is now physically ready for senior football."
Nick Madden - GWS signed to 2026. A 20 yr old 204 cm 112 kg with no AFL games. Currently 4th choice behind Briggs, Preuss, Keefe and with Academy Top Ruck prospect Logan Smith for 2024 Draft to be included. He is contracted to end of 2026 and find Madden's GWS profile below:
"A rookie selection in 2022, Nick Madden is a 204cm, 112kg ruckman who is an imposing figure and a strong marking target. A GIANTS Academy product from the Riverina, Madden is developing his ruck craft with coach Shane Mumford and played consistent football throughout the VFL in season 2023 to continue to develop his game."
Kalin Lane - Brisbane he is currently injured with ACL late Jun 24. Out of contract this year. Lane is Brisbane's 4th Ruck choice behind McInerney, Fort and Smith. A 22 yr old 205 cm. Find his Brisbane Profile below:
"Another former basketballer to find his way onto the Lions’ list. Lane knocked back a US college scholarship as a teenager to focus on footy and has steadily developed since then. Hailing from south-west West Australia, he played senior country footy in his teens before heading to Perth to further his development. The 205cm ruckman was selected by the Lions in the 2021 mid-season draft after showing encouraging signs for Claremont in the WAFL. After playing two season in the Lions VFL side, Lane continues to develop his ruck craft and will be looking to take off in 2024."
2021 MSD rating by Rookie Me Central
14. Kalin Lane (Claremont)
Ruck | 5/12/01 | 204cm | 95kg
One of the many rucks taken in this draft, Lane is right at the top end of that list when it comes to rate of development. He shot into contention last year and was part the Claremont side which qualified for the WAFL Colts grand final, before continuing his rise in the Reserves this season and even earning a League berth. Averaging 14 disposals and 29 hitouts per game, Lane has improved his impact around the ground and uses his imposing frame to good effect, while boasting the obvious ruck craft trait. He may be considered a long-term option, but bolsters Brisbane’s tall stocks.
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