THE INTERCHANGE> HOW TO PL AY taPPING in TO RUCKWORK In the fifth of a series, star West Coast Eagle Dean Cox discusses the finer points of ruck play. By Howard Kotton. s Dean Cox prepares rather than hit it in an open for a ruck contest space, which provides a greater at stoppages and risk of turning it over. boundary throw-ins, Cox is rarely flustered on the Athe star West Coast Eagle’s field, but is not happy when major priority is to be in front his hit-out is sharked by the of his opponent. opposing midfielders. Cox says that taking the front “I get stuck into my position gives him more control midfielders, just like they would over where to direct his hit-out. do if I’m not getting my hands on But his strategy at centre bounces the football,” he said. “My role is can vary, depending on the tactics to tap it to a certain area and their employed by the opposition. role is to get there.” “Being in front makes it a lot As a young ruckman, Cox more difficult for the opposition picked up plenty of tips from ruckman to get a clean hit on the former teammate Michael football,” he said. “In the centre, Gardiner, as well as other it varies. You might have some experienced ruckmen including players who might jump early or Matthew Primus, Steven King might come from different angles. and Luke Darcy. “It helps to mix it up with a “I suppose I wasn’t as strong as different run-up or angle, so you them and I tried to learn from a don’t become so predictable.” very young age the way they got The triple All-Australian in the best body position,” Cox, ruckman spends plenty of time 26, said. during the week at training “Once my strength came, I’d working on set-ups with his get in the right position and midfielders. He prefers to palm be able to tap it down to our the ball to a running teammate midfield.” ■ PART 5 OF A SERIES ON how to Play thE GAMe – rUCK BASIC RolES THE LEAP PERFECT TIMING DIRECTION THE BLOCK The role of the ruckman is a crucial one in Australian Football. A good Cox leaps towards the ball He times his leap to reach He hits the ball with his open He follows through towards ruckman sets up play from a variety of contests such as the centre bounce from one foot and swings maximum height at the point hand and firm fingers. The ball his target and contact by his both arms up to gain height. where he will contact the ball. His is directed towards the target opponent has no effect on the or boundary throw-in. To create opportunities for his smaller, running He watches the ball and palming arm is straight and his and he follows through with his direction of the ball. He is in a 1prepares to palm it with his right hand fingers are spread to get maximum control arm in the direction of the tap. By leaping good position to block his opponent from players, it is important that a ruckman has the skill to direct the ball to his 2 3 4 to the space in front of his receiver. His of the ball on contact. His eyes are focused to meet the ball at his maximum height, he further involvement in the play and to teammates’ best advantage. It is worth watching top-class ruckmen such body is turned side-on to his opponent on the ball and his left arm moves in a beats his opponent to the ball and taps it take possession himself if the ball goes as the West Coast Eagles’ Dean Cox and Port Adelaide’s Brendon Lade to for protection. natural balancing action. cleanly before contact has occurred. to ground. see how they use their various skills. • Technical advice in this series courtesy of the AFL Development Department. 18 AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au AFL RECORD visit afl.com.au 19.