Re: Time To Play Casboult At Full Forward
Reply #8 –
We need a more physical ruck type around the contests and I think Casboult has this in his game unlike the other threerucks who ballet dance around the ground.
I think Darren Jolly and Sam Jacobs might not quite agree with you about a lack of physicality in regards to two of our three rucks. Although it is generally accurate that Warnock avoids wrestling like it gives you rabies, but that is fair enough as most opposition rucks use wrestling to negate his tap dominance.
In terms of ruck work and contested forward marking, despite his size Casboult seems to lack core strength. He is far too easily moved out of position, if he cannot run and jump at the ball he often fails to even make a contest. It is a massive weakness for a 200cm player, only Warnock has a similar defect but at least Warnock wins the center taps as a ruckmen. Both Casboult and Warnock hate taking the front position under the high ball, Rowe, Hampson and Kreuzer do it all the time. Hampson and Rowe often backs into packs, and Kreuzer has taken several marks running with the flight of the ball. I cannot recall ever seeing Warnock or Casboult do it!
Casboult's "muscle" reputation is primarily based on two tackles in one game both applied to the same player! If he doesn't improve his core strength he will be useless at full forward because he cannot compete with the AFL quality defenders.