Gilbo in the Ruck

[saintsRrising]

Didn't we criticise Blake in the Ruck

Or is that just another legend that evolves over time???

What legend? I think you have imagined that one. Yes just as there is today, there were some that wanted to play two actual ruckmen instead of a ruck with another non-ruckman providing relief..

There were some questions over his disposal, but that had little to do with his playing as second ruck.

He went ok as the relief ruck, and certainly quite acceptable fora part timer. Certaianly too he performed the role way better than Bruce ever has.

Occasionally when we had enormous injuries he played mainly as first ruck. One game he towel up Sandilands in Tassie, and in another he was a matchwinner against the Hawks.

[Sainternist]

Great move from Richo. I loved seeing Sam Gilbert's attack on the ball when contesting ruck duels.

[stonecold]

Do we have a more versatile player? Defender, midfielder, winger, forward. Now ruck.

No we don't, that's why he plays every week, must to the disapproval of some of the so-called experts on here!!!!!

[shrodes]

It actually works! He doesn't seem to lose as badly as Bruce... Unfortunately it's not helping Bruce's game not having him backup rucking, but Gilbo does a pretty good job in there. Experiment is a success IMO

[magnifisaint]

Gilbert is good cos he can jump and is a good ground ball player.

[barneyboyz]

Deserves its own thread.

As fireman (is he a stripper or an actual fireman?) will point out, I have occasionally been a tad critical of Gilbo but the idea of him as a utility/ruck really appeals to me.

The new Jason Blake role. Similar to Blicavs but an inch shorter.

We all agree that Carlisle or Bwoose in the Ruck is far far from ideal.

Given Gilbo normally plays a kind of utility role and sometimes doesnt get a stack of ball - chucking him in the ruck seems a stroke of genius!

At very least it buys us time while Marshall develops.

I give it the thumbs up for the rest of the season!

Gilbo gives 100% every time. Not always successful, but I would take that 100% every day of the week

[Bluthy]

I think its a masterstroke to let Bruce focus on being that main forward target and not exhausting himself in the ruck. With his go-go-gadget arms he does ok reaching for the ball ups. Took one straight out of the ruck which was hilarious. Playing as ruck/midfielder who pushes back to help out with defensive cover as needed is working well. He's another big, hard tackling body around the ball and can get back as required. Bravo Richo on that move.

[Con Gorozidis]

yep