Why Dockers coach sees ruck conundrum as a good thing
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has a big rucking problem - but he can't understand why everyone is such a downer about it.
The Dockers have been heavily criticised over the past two years for apportioning such a significant chunk of their salary cap on two ruckmen - Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
The issue is again a hot talking point following Darcy's recent knee injury and the way Jackson has thrived as the lead ruckman in his teammate's absence.
Put simply, Jackson plays his best football when he leads the ruck, and it's the position he enjoys the most.
The former Demon has been cast mainly as a key forward in the games Darcy has been fit to play, but Jackson has become increasingly vocal about his love for the lead ruck role.
Darcy is an out-and-out ruckman who has never kicked more than 12 goals in a season.
Rumours are still circling that Jackson could request a trade back to Melbourne at the end of the season.
That would be disastrous for Fremantle, given Darcy's injury history over recent years and form struggles this season.
Darcy has missed the past two weeks with a jarred knee - and Fremantle have posted convincing wins over GWS and Port Adelaide in that period.
Jackson starred in both of those games, and he was arguably best afield against Port Adelaide with 38 hit-outs, 21 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and a goal assist.
Darcy is expected to be passed fit to return for Saturday's crunch clash with high-flying Gold Coast at People First Stadium.
With the Suns boasting star ruckman Jarrod Witts, the inclusion of Darcy could prove handy.
But would it hinder Jackson's game?
Many pundits think so.
And would opting for two ruckmen give Jackson further fuel to seek a trade away from Fremantle?
These are key questions Longmuir will have to answer, but the sixth-year coach sees having two classy ruckmen up his sleeve as a huge positive.
"To have two players who are really good at their position - I see it as a good problem," Longmuir said.
"Everyone else sees it as a bad problem, but I'd see it as a good problem.
"Jacko has got flexibility to play other positions. There's other ways we can get him around the footy.
"And Sean's proven over the course of a long time that he's one of the best rucks in the comp against some of the bigger bodies, especially the big-bodied ruckmen.
"So it's a good problem to have."
Given Darcy's lack of pre-season following ankle and knee issues, Longmuir may opt to bring back the 26-year-old via the WAFL.
The Dockers (6-5) need to find a replacement for rebounding defender Cooper Simpson, who injured his AC joint in the win over Port.
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