Seven ruck possibilities from Mitch Cleary:
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.
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.
