Prior to Round 18, just four men had held the Mongrel Ruck Championship belt on multiple occasions. Our new champion makes it five, with Max Gawn providing one of the best games of his career in the win against Brisbane to unseat Oscar McInerney and claim the title.
The Big O reigned since Round Four, compiling a healthy 12 title defences, but when you come up against an irresistible force like Gawn was on the weekend, you have to be an immovable object to withstand it… and Gawn shifted the Big O aside to commence reign number two.
In his first defence, Max faces Reilly O’Brien and his Crows.
Commencing at the beginning of 2017, we tracked those who have reigned as the champion ruckman of the AFL. They are all listed below with each defence detailed.
So, how does it work?
Great question… I’m glad I asked.
After a champion was established – best ruck in the 2016 Grand Final – that player goes on to defend the title each week against the best ruckman from his team’s designated opponent. As an example, Tom Boyd, thrown into the ruck in the 2016 Grand Final, became the first-ever champion. His first defence in 2017 came against Collingwood, which means we had Boyd v Brodie Grundy as the match up to decide the title in Round One.
But how do you decide who wins? Well, that’s quite simple – the player on the team that wins has a huge advantage. In order to win the title, you not only have to outperform the champion, but your team also has to win.
In addition, it must be a clear win in the one-on-one clash. If Boyd collects 15 touches and 20 hitouts in a loss and Grundy has similar stats in a win, that’s simply not good enough in my book. The benefit of the doubt always goes to the reigning champ. The win must be a decisive one for the title to change hands. As such, the champion can retain the belt despite his team being trounced IF he performs well in his personal battle.
Get it?
Of course you do – you’re not silly, right? But just in case you are, here are some bullet-point rules.
– To win the title, your team must win
– You cannot lose the title if your team wins, irrespective of how poorly you play.
– One-on-one wins must be resounding. If there is any doubt, the champion retains.
– The title must be defended every week except for byes. That means if a player is injured… bad luck. If a player is suspended… bad luck, again. If a player holds the title and his team does not make finals… well, that’s when I step in as an evil Vince McMahon-like character (only paying much less for sex) and strip the belt, putting it on the line for someone else to win.
– In the result of injury or suspension, the title will be decided in the game the injured/suspended player would have played.
– In the result of a team not playing finals, the title goes to the best performer on a winning team of the next week of finals, regardless of the game (so in week one of the finals, any ruck from four teams could win it should the champ at the end of the home and away season not make finals.)
So there we go. Below is the game-by-game, defence-by-defence records of the Mongrel Ruck Title Belt, with the focus initially on the most recent season before we jump back to where it all began in 2017.
2023 SEASON
ROUND ONE – DARCY CAMERON WINS THE TITLE
The Pies hit 2023 breathing fire and were cherry ripe to knock over the Cats. With Brodie Grundy now at Melbourne, the time was now for Darcy Cameron to strike and make himself just the third man to have multiple title reigns. His 29 hit outs and 11 disposals were too much for Blicavs, who didn’t get a chance to fire a shot, as Rhys Stanley played in the ruck most of the game.
Alas, poor Blitz… we hardly knew ye.
ROUND TWO – CAMERON RETAINS THE TITLE
The Pies crush Port Adelaide, with a wave of running football. Darcy Cameron successfully defends against Scott Lycett, going +10 in hit outs and +8 in disposals as he went up a gear and the Power could not go with him, or the Magpies.
ROUND THREE – CAMERON RETAINS THE TITLE
Toby Nankervis puts up a big challenge against an injured champion, but Cameron’s team bails him out with the win. Remember, the title can only change hands when your team wins.
The retention is soured, however, as Cameron injures a knee. The prognosis is not good – 8-10 weeks on the sidelines. The title is forfeited. And the wolves start circling…
ROUND FOUR – OSCAR MCINERNEY OUTLASTS ALL RUCKS TO WIN THE TITLE
After the title was stripped from Darcy Cameron (that nefarious HB Meyers… always up to no good!) all players were permitted to contend in Round Four, with the best overall performer awarded the championship.
With 18 disposals, 43 hit outs, and 11 clearances, it was Oscar McInerney emerging victorious after posting his huge game on the Thursday and watching every other ruck fail to measure up.
ROUND FIVE – THE BIG O RETAINS V NORTH MELBOURNE
Todd Goldstein battled like a man playing his 300th game and wanting something special, but the Lions were far too strong as he and Oscar McInerney played to a draw in their personal battle.
The Big O had ten touches and 26 hit outs, as Goldstein amassed 11 disposals and 33 taps.
With the Lions getting the W, the title remains safe with McInerney.
ROUND SIX – BIG O RETAINS V GWS
Another tough day at the office for McInerney, having all he could handle in his clash with Matt Flynn, but with the Lions winning again, playing to a draw in their clash once again worked in the champ’s favour.
McInerney recorded 11 disposals and 34 hit outs, whilst Flynn managed 11 disposals and 38 taps. Even had the Lions lost, the Big O is doing enough to retain at the moment.
ROUND SEVEN – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST FREMANTLE
The Lions ramped this one in, winning by 48 points and securing the title defence for their big man, but McInerney more than held his own against one of the more highly-fancied ruckmen in the caper.
Sean Darcy had 18 disposals and 39 taps to look like the best ruck on the park, right?
Nope.
Oscar may have recorded 13 disposals and 30 hit outs, but he added nine clearances to his totals. Darcy had just four. T me, that means had the Lions lost, McInerney likely would have retained as he had more impact on the game
ROUND EIGHT – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST CARLTON
Marc Pittonet notched 48 hit outs to get the better of the Big O in the ruck duels, but McInerney held his own around the ground, with 16 disposals. Also, his ten clearances more than made up for the disparity in the hit outs, with Pittonet often palming the footy t contests and McInerney taking the footy out of the ruck and slamming it forward.
ROUND NINE – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST ESSENDON
Both Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips were serviceable against the Big O, but with the duties split, neither could claim to have had the upper hand for the entire contest, returning similar numbers to the Brisbane big man. With the Lions pulling in the win, the Big O moves on with his title intact.
ROUND TEN – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST GOLD COAST
51 hit outs from Jarrod Witts were undone both by the Suns’ loss and his inability to impact play around the ground, registering just seven disposals. The champ notched 13 touches and 36 taps to retain the title.
ROUND 11 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST ADELAIDE IN A LOSS
Two big men without a backup locked horns and amassed over 100 hitouts between them, but with the Crows winning, Reilly O’Brien just could not get enough difference between his performance (15 touches, 52 taps, and four clearances) and tha of the champ (13 disposals, 57 hit outs, and seven clearances) to warrant any serious challenge.
The Big O rolls int the bye with the title intact. I have to say, I did not see this coming.
ROUND 12 – BYE
ROUND 13 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST HAWTHORN IN A LOSS
Some may argue that this should have been a title switch, but the Hawks divided the ruck duties between Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves to the point where they cancelled each other out. A narrow escape for the champ as his team capitulated to the lowly Hawks.
ROUND 14 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST SYDNEY
Tom Hickey, a former two-time champ, gave it all he had, but was unable to capture a record third reign. His efforts would have been for naught, as the Big O collected 46 hit outs, 18 disposals and a goal to outdistance Hickey’s efforts of 13 disposals and 34 taps.
The Big O is starting to look incredibly menacing.
ROUND 15 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST ST KILDA
McInerney’s size was too much for Rowan Marshall and the Saints, as the Lions notched another win, and the Big O’s 34 taps and ten possessions were enough to combat the efforts of his opponent, who registered 30 taps and 13 touches.
ROUND 16 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST RICHMOND
32 taps and 12 disposals capped a nice game from Nank, but with the Tigers dropping this game to Brisbane, the title remained intact around the waist of the Big O. Not that the difference would have warranted a title change, with Oscar notching 29 taps and nine disposals, but the Big O is starting to look tired. This was a game where he could have made a bigger impact, but all this lone-rucking… it might be taking a toll.
ROUND 17 – BIG O RETAINS AGAINST WEST COAST
Bailey Williams is really starting to show some signs of promise, but his efforts as part of a losing size were not enough to trouble the champ.
The Big O registered 35 taps, 14 disposals, and a goal to outpace the Eagle’s return of 26 taps and nine touches.
ROUND 18 – NEW CHAMPION – MAX GAWN DEFEATS OSCAR MCINERNEY TO WIN THE TITLE
One kick. That is all that separated the title change from a retention.
It would have been a crime had Max Gawn’s monster night not been rewarded with his second Mongrel Ruck Championship. He dominated the game, picking up 29 touches, 21 contested possessions, and ten clearances against a champion who tried hard, but ultimately couldn’t hang with the six-time All-Australian.
Gawn becomes the fifth man to secure a second reign and will now embark on a journey to chase down the all-time record holder for defences… his teammate, Brodie Grundy.
MONGREL RUCKMAN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE HOLDERS – 2023
MARK BLICAVS – NO DEFENCES
DARCY CAMERON – TWO DEFENCES
OSCAR MCINERNEY – 12 DEFENCES
MAX GAWN – NO DEFENCES (YET)
Now, we can step back and look at the history of the Ruckman Championship Belt.
2017
ROUND ONE – TOM BOYD RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST THE PIES
He was not the best ruck on the park, and with just five touches, Boyd was bailed out by his team winning against Brodie Grundy.
Grundy finished with 29 hit outs and 12 disposals, but the Dogs winning makes Boyd’s 24 taps and five disposals good enough to retain.
ROUND TWO – TOM BOYD RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST THE SWANS
Tom Campbell took most of the ruck duties, but Boyd was able to chip in with 15 hit outs and two goals for the day against Sam Naismith, who was the best big man in a losing side.
Naismith had 25 taps and ten disposals for the Swans.
ROUND THREE – AARON SANDILANDS WINS THE TITLE AGAINST THE DOGS
Well, that didn’t take long. Big Sandi throws down the gauntlet with 42 hit outs to go along with his 15 touches as the Dockers take the belt. Boyd manages just seven hit outs playing second fiddle to Tom Campbell.
Sandilands also added six one percenters around the ground, adding to his value for the Dockers.
ROUND FOUR – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST THE DEES
Sandi dominates the Dees, having his way with Jake Spencer (who?) as he accumulated 53 taps to go with his 14 disposals.
The Dees made it close, losing by just two points. Spencer had 15 taps, two goals and 13 disposals. Whatever happened to him?
ROUND FIVE – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST NORTH MELBOURNE
A marquee match up saw Todd Goldstein unable to climb Mount Sandilands, with the Freo big man notching 55 hit outs and ten touches in the win to hold off the Goldy challenge.
Goldstein had 21 taps and 13 disposals to go with his goal, but Sandi was just too powerful in the ruck contests all day.
ROUND SIX – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
The Eagles get the win, but it is Sandilands dominant in the ruck, with 52 taps to go with his nine disposals. The best for the Eagles is Jonathon Giles in the absence of Nic Naitanui, who has 17 taps and 11 touches in the win. Not good enough to unseat the champ.
ROUND SEVEN – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ESSENDON
Freo notch another win, and Sandilands revels in putting the footy down the throat of Fyfe and Neale, compiling 51 hit outs and nine disposals, dominating the ruck duel with Matthew Leuenberger. Mmmmmm, Leuenberger…
The former Lion had 16 hit outs and 11 disposals for the Bombers.
ROUND EIGHT – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A TIGHT WIN OVER RICHMOND
Despite a strong showing by Toby Nankervis (20 hit outs and 15 touches), the Dockers get over the line and Sandi registered 35 taps and 13 possessions to retain the title.
ROUND NINE – AARON SANDILANDS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER CARLTON
Matthew Kreuzer’s 20/20 game, notching 26 hit outs and 22 disposals, is wasted as the Blues fall short of the Dockers by 35 points. Sandi retains the title with 39 hit outs and 11 touches as Freo notched the six goal win.
ROUND TEN – SAM JACOBS WINS THE TITLE AGAINST FREMANTLE
And it all comes tumbling down…
Sandilands is injured, so the title goes to the best ruck on the winning team. Sam Jacobs is that man, notching 40 hit outs, a goal, and 13 touches as the Crows smash the Dockers and a new champion is crowned.
Jonathon Griffin is the Dockers’ first ruck, and he returns 31 taps with six disposals.
ROUND 11 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST GEELONG
Jacobs and the Crows overcome a spirited effort from the Cats and… wait for it… Zac Smith, who registers 33 hit outs and 15 touches. However, Jacobs’ tally of 45 hit outs and 15 touches match the output of the former Sun. As such, no title change.
ROUND 12 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE SAINTS
Jacobs with the impressive 30/20 game, collecting 37 hit outs and 25 disposals as the Crows beat the Saints. Billy Longer is the big man in the middle for St Kilda – remember him? He had 33 hit outs and 16 disposals as he lowered his colours to Jacobs.
ROUND 13 – BYE
ROUND 14 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS TO HAWTHORN
39 hit outs and 12 disposals were enough for another Jacobs title retention, as Big Boy McEvoy had a red hot go at the title. The Hawks won, giving him every chance, but Jacobs managed to match McEvoy’s output and hold on.
Big Boy had 36 hit outs and eight touches in his challenge.
ROUND 15 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER CARLTON
A huge effort from Matthew Kreuzer was brought undone by his team falling to the Crows. Kreuzer had 42 hit outs to go with his 14 touches, beating Jacobs, who finished with 31 taps and ten disposals.
The champ retains due to playing on the winning team.
ROUND 16 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE DOGS
A ten goal win for the Crows made sure the belt was going nowhere, with Jacobs having 36 hit outs and 11 disposals as Adelaide overpowered the Dogs and Jordan Roughead, who had 22 hit outs and 16 disposals.
ROUND 17 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER MELBOURNE
Another win for the Crows sees Jacobs stave off the challenge from Max Gawn. The bearded Demon had 31 hit outs, a goal, and 11 disposals, but on this occasion, Jacobs was the better man, totalling 42 taps, nine disposals and a goal of his own.
ROUND 18 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
Jacobs handled Rhys Stanley in this one, doing enough to hold onto his belt in a game that saw his team do the work for him as well. Finishing with 32 hit outs and 17 disposals, he accounted for Rhys Stanley, with 22 taps and ten possessions.
ROUND 19 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A DRAW AGAINST COLLINGWOOD
Brodie Grundy made a huge push here, with a 40/20 game, totalling 40 hit outs and 21 disposals, but as outlined in the opening, the win has to be decisive. Jacobs compiled 39 hit outs and 14 disposals, just doing enough to hold onto the title.
ROUND 20 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER PORT ADELAIDE
As the Crows pasted the Power, Jacobs played a ripper, as well. He notched a couple of goals to go with his 42 hit outs and 12 disposals, as Port’s Paddy Ryder challenged, and could hold his head up high after returning 40 taps and 11 disposals. Those two goals put Jacobs’ efforts over the top, however.
ROUND 21 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ESSENDON
A decent challenge from Matthew Leuenberger, here. He had 29 hit outs and 11 disposals in the loss to the Crows, but Jacobs was able to match his influence, notching 26 touches and 11 disposals of his own. That the Crows won easily made it a bit of a moot point.
ROUND 22 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS TO THE SWANS
The Swans managed to roll the Crows by two points, but Jacobs’ dominance in the ruck made sure the title wasn’t going anywhere. He had a season-high 48 taps to go with 14 disposals, as Callum Sinclair added 25 hit outs and eight disposals for the Swans.
ROUND 23 – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
Nathan Vardy gets his chance at the title in the absence of Nic Nat, but the 51 hit outs and 17 disposals from Jacobs account for Vardy’s 31 taps and seven disposals. In a loss, Jacobs stands tall and retains again.
QUALIFYING FINAL – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GWS
The Big Mummy was up next, but the Crows handed the Giants a loss and Jacobs’ 30 hit outs and nine disposals were enough to offset the 38 taps and just three disposals from Mumford.
PRELIMINARY FINAL – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
Zac Smith tried hard again, with 31 taps and 12 possessions, but Jacobs and his Crows rolled onto the Grand Final. The Adelaide big man finished with 35 hit outs, 16 touches, and a goal as the Crows ended Geelong’s season in the Prelim… they’d better get used to that.
GRAND FINAL – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS TO RICHMOND
So, this would be about the only thing Richmond didn’t win on the day. Toby Nankervis made his case, with 28 hit outs and 18 disposals in the historic Richmond win, but Jacobs did enough to hold onto the title again, finishing with 49 taps and 15 disposals – more than enough to justify his retention.
2018
ROUND ONE – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST ESSENDON
New season… same result.
The Bombers get the win, but the ruck effort of Jacobs, with 33 taps and 13 disposals, is just enough to hold off the challenge of Tom Bellchambers, who had 33 hit outs of his own, nine disposals and a goal. One more goal and I may have been swayed…
ROUND TWO – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER RICHMOND
The Crows win the Grand Final rematch, and Jacobs has himself a 40/20 game, notching… well, 40 hit outs and 20 disposals. For the Tigers, Nankervis is good again, with 25 taps and 18 disposals. I can see a title in his future… SPOILER ALERT!!!
ROUND THREE – SAM JACOBS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ST KILDA
Rowan Marshall has started to emerge at this point, notching 18 taps and 14 disposals, but he is still a way off and is really raw. Jacobs has a 30/20 game under his belt as champ, with 37 hit outs and 20 disposals as one of the best on the park.
ROUND FOUR – BRODIE GRUNDY WINS THE TITLE AGAINST THE CROWS
Bam!!! Brodie Grundy drops the hammer in a big Magpie win on the road, and registers an unbelievable best on ground performance. His 40/30 game, comprising 40 hit outs and 33 touches also features a goal as the shellshocked Crows see their big man lose the title.
Jacobs has a solid 33 hit outs and ten disposals, but this is Grundy’s night, and a new champ is born.
THE GRUNDY ERA
Thus begins what will come to be known as the “Grundy Era” in our Mongrel Ruck Championship Title Belt history. If you’re a Pies supporter, you’ll remember this next section fondly, but if you’re any other supporter, you’ll be sick to death of hearing about Brodie Bloody Grundy pretty soon.
ROUND FIVE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST ESSENDON
Grundy notches what will become common for him as champion – 30/20 game. His 32 taps and 22 disposals easily account for Tom Bellchambers’ 20 hit outs and 13 possessions.
ROUND SIX – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO RICHMOND
Another solid challenge from Toby Nankervis, registering 17 taps and a huge 29 disposals, but 33 hit outs and 24 touches, for his second-successive 30/20 game is enough to keep the title around his waist.
At this stage, Nank has had three chances to grab the title and has been unable to get his paws on it.
ROUND SEVEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER BRISBANE
A monster 20/20 outing from Stef Martin was wasted, with his team falling short to the Pies. He finished with 24 taps and 28 touches, but Grundy’s 39 taps and 16 disposals were backed up with 11 tackles as the Collingwood big man’s second efforts really came to the fore.
ROUND EIGHT – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GEELONG
Despite a loss to the Cats, Grundy’s 42 hit outs, 19 disposals and a goal were far too good for Zac Smith to overcome. His 20 taps and ten disposals were valuable, but not “title change” kind of valuable.
ROUND NINE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ST KILDA
A 40/20 game from Grundy, notching 42 taps and 23 disposals, were too much for the traveller, Tom Hickey, who managed 18 hit outs and 13 disposals.
ROUND TEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE DOGS
Another 30/20 game from the champ, with 38 hit outs and 26 disposals easily accounting for former champ, Tom Boyd, who managed just nine hit outs, ten touches and a goal.
ROUND 11 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER FREMANTLE
No Sandilands to contend with… Grundy was always gonna feast!
He notched 48 hit outs, 18 disposals, and added eight tackles as he did enough to dispel a decent effort from Michael Apeness, who finished with 17 taps and 17 disposals.
ROUND 12 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER MELBOURNE
Ah, the big battle… Grundy v Gawn, huh?
Gawn is a weapon, but on a losing team, his efforts were for naught. He finished with 33 hit outs, 17 disposals, and a goal, but Grundy’s 38 taps, 13 disposals and seven tackles made the contest a close one. Not enough for a title switch, even if the Dees had won.
ROUND 13 – BYE
ROUND 14 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST CARLTON
After a week off, Grundy returned with a typical 30/20 game, notching 34 hit outs and 20 disposals in a contest where he was basically without an opponent. Sam Rowe had eight hit outs for the Blues, who were without Matthew Kreuzer.
ROUND 15 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST GOLD COAST
A 40/20 game against Jarrod Witts demonstrated that Grundy was well and truly at the top of his game. His 49 his outs and 26 disposals easily eclipsed the 25 hit outs and 15 disposals from his former teammate.
ROUND 16 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ESSENDON
Sigh… another 30/20 game, with Grundy notching 34 taps and 24 disposals, accounting for the 28 hit outs and 15 disposals from Tom Bellchambers.
Quite the run thus far from Grundy, eh?
It gets better… and a lot longer.
ROUND 17 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
Remember this game? I do – it was the game Nic Naitanui blew his knee out in a ruck contest against Grundy. Bloody terrible day for footy, in general.
Grundy, however, found himself then matched up against the bruising Scott Lycett, and managed to retain the title despite the loss. He had 30 taps and 14 possessions to combat 17 hit outs and nine disposals, keeping the title.
ROUND 18 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER NORTH MELBOURNE
The Pies ran away with this one, but Todd Goldstein and Brodie Grundy basically fought to a draw.
Grundy finished with 27 hit outs, 17 disposals, and a goal, whilst Goldy managed 26 taps, 16 disposals and a goal of his own.
ROUND 19 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO RICHMOND
I can see some Tiger fans being annoyed with Nankervis being so close, yet falling over so often.
Well, this time, there was a very good reason. Yes, Nank had 24 hit outs and 19 disposals – a great day at the office, right? Across from him, Brodie Grundy had… 48 hit outs, 23 disposals and ten damn tackles. No way in hell there is a title switch with those numbers. Sorry Nank.
ROUND 20 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO THE SWANS
So, we’ve seen his 30/20 games. A 40/20 game and now… a 50/20 game, with the Collingwood big man dominating the ruck to register 57 hit outs and 24 disposals (and nine clearances) to easily account for Callum Sinclair (16 hit outs, 19 disposals) despite the loss.
ROUND 21 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER BRISBANE
A pretty balanced clash between the champ and Stef Martin, with the Brisbane big man collecting 24 hit outs and 18 touches to challenge Grundy’s 35 taps and 13 disposals. With the Pies win, however, this one is not up for debate.
ROUND 22 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER PORT ADELAIDE
Hey look, it’s a 40/20 game from Grundy again. Who’d have thought?
He had 42 taps, 25 disposals and added nine tackles and eight clearances as he did his damage around the ground. Paddy Ryder had 16 taps and ten touches, but it was his three goals that made this contest feel closer.
ROUND 23 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER FREO
Upstart, Sean Darcy, made some big strides here, registering 35 hit outs, but with a Pies win, and Brodie Grundy having a 30/20 game, with 34 taps and 24 disposals, it was clear he had a bit of a way to go, just yet.
QUALIFYING FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
I’ll tell ya what – let’s combine the two West Coast rucks’ output and compare to Grundy. That’ll make a nice change.
Nathan Vardy and Scott Lycett had 28 hit outs and 21 touches. In response, Grundy had 48 hit outs and 18 disposals… by himself! The Pies lose, but Grundy is by far the best big man for this game. No title switch – not even the faintest hint of one.
SEMI FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GWS
Rory Lobb gets his chance at Grundy here… maybe this is why he doesn’t like playing ruck?
Actually, he is pretty good, notching 28 taps, a goal, and 12 disposals, but Grundy has 38 taps and 18 disposals to once again retain the title. Getting sick of him yet? I am…
PRELIMINARY FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER RICHMOND
I’d say another respectable loss for Nank, but his 24 taps and 16 disposals are dwarfed by the output of Grundy, as he notched a huge 50/20 game, with 56 hit outs and 21 disposals as the Pies advance to the big dance.
I can’t believe I just wrote “the big dance”. I never write that. Must be getting tired… only three seasons to go until I am up to date – ugh…
GRAND FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
The Lycett and Vardy combination again shared the duties in the middle, but Grundy’s 49 hit outs and ten disposals (way down on what he was doing all season for possessions) get him over the hump despite the loss.
As much as I would like to reward Vardy for his late-game heroics, it just wasn’t a big enough performance to topple the champ.
And so, the era of Grundy continues into 2019…
2019
ROUND ONE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GEELONG
A pretty good effort here from Rhys Stanley, notching 23 taps to go with 18 disposals, but even in a loss, Grundy has done enough to hold onto the belt. His 34 hit outs and 18 disposals get him off to a fast start in 2019.
ROUND TWO – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER RICHMOND
Nank is up again, here, but still cannot get close enough to Grundy. He had 21 hit outs and 15 touches, but Grundy/s 20/20 game, comprised of 27 hit outs and 21 disposals, is enough to successfully defend the title again.
ROUND THREE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
The Eagles are back at it, and they manage to knock over the Pies again, but a 40/20 game from Grundy, with the totals of 40 hit outs, 22 disposals, and 11 clearances is enough to see off an Eagles ruck division that was clearly undermanned, Vardy was their best with 11 taps.
ROUND FOUR – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE DOGS
I remember writing about this game – I called it at the time as though Grundy was molesting Tim English. Harsh, I know, but fitting. Check the numbers.
Grundy has 50/20 outing, with 58 hit outs and 22 disposals. English has six hit outs for the game to lead the Dogs and 17 disposals.
That makes a full 12 months as champion for Grundy… what an effort.
ROUND FIVE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST BRISBANE
Stef Martin’s consistent challenges have fallen away now. His 13 hit outs and 13 disposals were not enough to trouble Grundy, who was a bit down on his usual output, yet managed a 31 hit out and 12 disposal effort in the win.
ROUND SIX – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST ESSENDON
Ohhhh, the infamous Anzac Day match where the umpiring was so horrible, Essendon fans wanted to kill them.
Bellchambers lumbered about for 18 touches and 18 hit outs, but Grundy’s 30/20 game, with 39 hit outs and 24 disposals had him as the best big man on the park, quite easily.
ROUND SEVEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER PORT ADELAIDE
Another 30/20 game from Grundy – he is a machine. 35 hit outs accompanying 22 disposals saw him account for Paddy Ryder, who had 25 hit outs and 14 disposals.
ROUND EIGHT – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST CARLTON
Matty Kreuzer is back and falls victim to the elite work of Grundy, who compiles a 40/20 game, with 48 hit outs, 25 disposals, and two goals to be too good for Kreuzer’s 22 taps and 14 disposals. We never really got to see Kreuzer at his best for an extended period. What a shame…
ROUND NINE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ST KILDA
Another 40/20 outing from Grundy, as he dropped the hammer on the Saints. 49 hit outs and 24 disposals to combat the efforts of Rowan Marshall and his 24 taps, 16 disposals and a goal.
This is getting ridiculous now.
ROUND TEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE SWANS
Just the lazy 64 hit outs here for Grundy. Nothing to see… please disperse.
The Pies win as Grundy completely has his way with Cal Sinclair, once again having to play the number one ruck role despite being a clear ruck/forward. Sinclair finished with 20 taps and 11 disposals, but this was Grundy’s day, yet again.
ROUND 11 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO FREO
Rory Lobb is giving it another crack, but his 14 hit outs, 19 disposals, and a goal are not enough to combat a 40/20 game from Grundy.
The Collingwood big man racked up 46 hit outs and 21 touches to once again rule the ruck roost despite the team loss.
ROUND 12 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER MELBOURNE
Ever seen a champion get out of jail when you watch wrestling? Ever see them intentionally get counted out to save the title?
This is the equivalent of that.
Here, Max Gawn put on a show with a rare 30/30 game, notching 33 hit outs with 34 disposals and adding ten clearances to the mix to destroy the champion. Grundy managed just 30 taps and 14 disposals in return.
Buuuuuutttt, the Pies won. And that means the title cannot change hands. Gawn definitely sounded a warning here, though. He gave an ailing Grundy a bath and laid the groundwork for their next encounter.
ROUND 13 – BYE
ROUND 14 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE DOGS
After a week where he got smashed by Max Gawn, what did Grundy need? A weekend off followed by a date with his bunny – Tim English.
Grundy rebounded with a 50/20 game, notching 50 hit outs and 25 touches to annihilate English again. The Bulldogs pup responded with a meek 16 hit outs and 14 disposals.
ROUND 15 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO NORTH MELBOURNE
30 hit outs and 16 disposals from Todd Goldstein started to look threatening as the Roos gave the Pies a seven goal loss, but Grundy was still able to do the work to retain his title.
With 44 hit outs to go with his 23 disposals, Grundy added yet another 40/20 game to his championship reign.
ROUND 16 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO HAWTHORN
Big Boy McEvoy had another crack in this one, notching 29 hit outs, 11 disposals and a goal, but Brodie Grundy was good enough to post 34 taps and 18 disposals to match the Hawks’ big man and retain again.
ROUND 17 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER WEST COAST
I’ll state this – notching a 30/20 game against Nic Naitanui is no joke, and that is what Grundy was able to do here as the Pies won by a point.
Nic Nat had 28 taps, 14 disposals, and 11 clearances to throw down the gauntlet, but Grundy’s response was top notch, adding 32 hit outs, 22 disposals and eight tackles to retain against high quality opposition.
ROUND 18 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GWS
The Pies were whacked in this game, with the Giants running out 47 point winner. About the only position they did not win on this day was the ruck.
That remained the territory of Brodie Grundy.
His 48 taps, 31 disposals, 11 clearances and nine tackles were close to the best game of his reign to date. Dawson Simpson was his main opposition in this game (which may indicate why Grundy was able to do what he did) and he managed a respectable 27 hit outs, to go with a not very respectable five disposals.
ROUND 19 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO RICHMOND
No Nank in this game, but Ivan Soldo managed to compile 15 hit outs and ten touches as the Tigers emerged victorious. Sadly, it was not enough to topple Grundy, despite a quieter day at the office. The champ finished with 36 hit outs, but could only manage nine disposals, just managing to hang onto the belt.
ROUND 20 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GOLD COAST
A big 40/20 game saw Grundy respond beautifully to his lacklustre game against the Tigers. He had 43 hit outs and 26 disposals to go with a goal, whilst his opponent, Jarrod Witts, had 27 hit outs and 15 possessions.
ROUND 21 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER MELBOURNE
A measure of revenge for Grundy here, notching 44 hit outs, 16 disposals and seven tackles to outpoint the man who tore him apart earlier in the year.
Max Gawn had 29 hit outs, 13 disposals, and a goal, but lowered his colours to the champ, here.
ROUND 22 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST ADELAIDE
Not quite party time for Grundy, but the Pies’ 11-goal win over the Crows meant that former champion, Sam Jacobs, was not a threat.
Grundy had 35 hit outs and 17 disposals, whilst Jacobs looked to have started his decline, returning 15 taps and 13 disposals.
ROUND 23 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ESSENDON
That’s the home and away season in the bag for Grundy… what an effort. The Pies win, guaranteeing him a successful defence, but a 30/30 game cements it.
Grundy had 35 hit outs and 33 disposals to easily account for the 14 hit outs and 12 disposals of Tom Bellchambers.
QUALIFYING FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
Finals time, and Grundy notches a big 40/20 game to aid the Pies over the Cats. His 47 hit outs and 21 touches dwarf the efforts of the Cats’ best big man, Mark Blicavs, who returns 14 taps and 11 disposals.
This is the game Chris Scott opted not to play a genuine ruckman because of the wet weather. And it didn’t rain.
PRELIMINARY FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GWS
This may never occur again – a 70/20 game from Grundy here, notching 73 hit outs, 25 disposals and ten clearances, but the Pies fall to the Giants and thus, Grundy’s season is at an end.
AND… so is his reign.
As stated in the opener, a bye is the only way a player cannot play and retain the title. The Pies are out of finals. Grundy is stripped of the title.
GRAND FINAL – TOBY NANKERVIS WINS THE TITLE
With Grundy’s reign of terror done, the best ruckman on the winning team in the Grand Final becomes champ.
Congrats Nank!
It’s been a long, hard road, but with 22 touches and 17 possessions, Toby Nankervis earns his first Mongrel Ruckman Championship.
2020
ROUND ONE – TONY NANKERVIS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER CARLTON
Nothing special here from Nank, but his cause was aided greatly when Matty Kreuzer, in a story we’ve all heard way too often, went down early in the game with injury. Levi Casboult then entered the ruck and probably got the better of Nank, registering 16 hit outs, 17 disposals, and two goals to Nankervis’ 16 hit outs and seven disposals.
However, the title only changes hands when the challenging team wins. Nank retains.
ROUND TWO – BRODIE GRUNDY WINS THE TITLE IN A DRAW AGAINST RICHMOND
And that’s that for Nankervis. He was out of the team for this one, meaning the title is awarded to the best ruck on the winning team. As it was a draw, the best ruck in the game was… damn Brodie Grundy. Again!
Well, given he had the title stripped right before the Grand Final, I guess I owed him one. Grundy reclaims the title he never truly lost with 33 hit outs and 15 touches to outpace Ivan Soldo, who collected 23 taps and six disposals, though his nine tackles almost got him over the line.
ROUND THREE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ST KILDA
We must note the shorter game times, here. 20% less time to operate, and yet Brodie Grundy still managed to deliver a 30/20 game, notching 31 hit outs and 20 disposals in an excellent display against Paddy Ryder, who ended up with 17 hit outs and eight disposals.
ROUND FOUR – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GWS
47 hit outs to go along with 19 possessions for Grundy was always going to make it tough for Shane Mumford to grab the title, even in a win.
The Big Giant had 17 taps of his own, and nine disposals, but there is no question as to who the best big man on the ground was. Grundy retains, and continues to build on that incredible first run.
ROUND FIVE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST ESSENDON
The Pies fall down again, but Grundy stands tall with another 30/20 outing. He had 37 hit outs to go with his 20 disposals, and added ten clearances to his impressive outing,
Essendon threw Andrew Phillips at Grundy to little effect, as he returned13 hit outs and 11 disposals.
ROUND SIX – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST HAWTHORN
A quieter day for Grundy came at an ideal time, with each of the impotent ruck duo of Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar failing to reach double figures in hit outs. Big Boy had eight to go with ten touches, whilst Ceglar managed nine to go with nine disposals.
Grundy retains with 22 hit outs and 11 disposals.
ROUND SEVEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
46 hit outs for Grundy, to go along with his 17 disposals, mean a relatively easy win for him, as the Cats trotted out Darcy Fort as his main opposition.
Fort finished with 23 taps and eight disposals, but he was a long way off the pace.
ROUND EIGHT – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
A huge chance for Nic Naitanui goes begging, largely due to his time on the bench as his comeback from a second knee reconstruction hampers his playing time. Nic Nat finished with 24 hit outs, eight possessions and a goal as the Eagles beat the Pies, but Grundy remained close enough, with 24 hit outs of his own, and ten disposals. He retains, as Naitanui was not the clear victor.
ROUND NINE – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO FREO
Sean Darcy continued his rise up the ruck rankings, but couldn’t quite do enough to unseat the champ. He returned 19 taps and ten disposals, but Grundy’s 43 hit outs, 11 disposals and one goal to do enough to retain his title in a loss.
ROUND TEN – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER SYDNEY
Another week… another title defence for Grundy, as he collected 32 hit outs, 16 disposal and seven tackles opposed to Callum Sinclair, who battled on well for 22 hit outs and 12 disposals, but overall, was beaten by the champ.
ROUND 11 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ADELAIDE
Reilly O’Brien gets his first legitimate shot at the title and accounts well for himself, returning 22 hit outs and 11 disposals, nullifying the influence of Grundy to keep him to 24 taps and ten disposals.
The Pies win, and the combatants are closely matched – that equates to another successful defence for Grundy.
ROUND 12 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST MELBOURNE
The Pies get whacked by the Dees, but… no Max Gawn to reap the benefits of a nine goal win! Oh man… things just continually fall Grundy’s way.
Brayden Preuss was offered the chance to dethrone the king, delivering 24 hit outs and 12 disposals, but Grundy was up to the challenge, returning 35 hit outs, 15 disposals and eight clearances to retain his title… AGAIN.
ROUND 13 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST NORTH MELBOURNE
Grundy and Goldstein lock horns again, but with the Pies gaining the victory, once again Goldy’s efforts are in vain.
Goldstein returns 26 hit outs and ten disposals, whilst Grundy retains his title with 20 hit outs and 15 disposals.
ROUND 14 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER CARLTON
34 hit outs and 12 disposals were enough for Grundy to retain against Marc Pittonett, who returned just 16 taps and five disposals in his first real shot at the title
This is Grundy’s 12th defence in this reign, as he continues to do enough to keep the wolves at bay. Perhaps over the journey, we’ve got given him enough credit? Not just for the things he does do, but for what he prevents the opposition rucks from doing against him?
ROUND 15 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO BRISBANE
The Big O gets his chance as the number one ruckman, and delivers 19 taps, 15 disposals, and nine clearances to go perilously close to dethroning the champ, however, Grundy’s 29 hit outs and 11 disposals are just enough for him to hang on by the skin of his teeth.
The champ always gets the benefit of the doubt when things are close, and things were close in this one. The win must be decisive.
ROUND 16 – BYE
ROUND 17 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GOLD COAST
A pretty even contest between Grundy and Jarrod Witts, with the Gold Coast captain getting the mod in taps, registering 31 to go with 13 disposals.
Grundy had 27 hit outs to go with 12 disposals to retain again.
ROUND 18 – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO PORT ADELAIDE
36 hit outs and 18 disposals were more than enough to account for Scott Lycett, despite the Power winning.
Lycett managed 22 hit outs and ten possessions, but was clearly beaten by Grundy on the night.
And that is another dominant home and away season for Grundy in the books. Finals, however, provide plenty of opportunity for the challengers.
ELIMINATION FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER WEST COAST
But for one point, we may have had a new champion.
Nic Naitanui was close, delivering 25 hit outs, 17 disposals and seven clearances to be the best big man on the park, however, the Eagles fell over and the Pies triumphed, effectively retaining the title for Grundy, who returned 18 hit outs and 12 disposals.
But for one kick, Nic Nat would be champ, here.
SEMI-FINAL – BRODIE GRUNDY RETAINS IN A LOSS TO GEELONG
Poor old Brodie. Retains the title again, but his team crashes out of contention and will not be playing in the last two weeks of the season.
You know what that means, right? The show, and the title, must go on!
Grundy returned 20 hit outs and ten disposals to edge Rhys Stanley in this one. The Cats ruckman returned 13 taps, 14 disposals and a goal, but wasn’t a clear winner, forcing us to strip Grundy of the title headed into the prelims.
PRELIMINARY FINAL – TOBY NANKERVIS WINS THE TITLE
Now here’s a turn up for the books.
With Grundy out of the picture, the best ruck on a winning Preliminary Final team would be awarded the belt, and with 19 hit outs, 13 disposals and ten tackles, the Mongrel Ruck from Punt Road captured his second title.
GRAND FINAL – TOBY NANKERVIS RETAINS IN A WIN AGAINST GEELONG
The Tigers triumph again, and Nank retains with 25 touches and eight disposals.
Opposite him, Rhys Stanley had an excellent game, registering 29 hit outs and 14 disposals, but to the winners go the spoils, and Toby Nankervis successfully defends his title on the biggest day of the footy calendar.
2021
ROUND ONE – TOBY NANKERVIS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER CARLTON
Hey, it’s Round One… chalk up a win for the Tigers over the Blues, and as a result, chalk up a win for Nank as he compiled 27 hit outs and 12 touches to match the output of Marc Pittonet, who returned 33 hit outs and nine disposals.
How good to be back to normal length games…
ROUND TWO – TOBY NANKERVIS RETAINS IN A WIN OVER HAWTHORN
This two-headed ruck approach from the Hawks… I’m not a fan.
Between them, McEvoy and Ceglar combine for 25 hit outs and 26 disposals, but this isn’t the tag team titles, this is an individual title, and neither of the Hawks deserves it. The Tiger wins seals the defence for Nank as he collects 20 hit outs and 12 disposals.
ROUND THREE – TOM HICKEY WINS THE TITLE AGAINST RICHMOND
And now we’re starting to get a couple of left-field challengers.
Tom Hickey started 2021 as a man with something to prove, and at his first opportunity to take the title since he was a Saint, he snatched the strap away from Nank. It was the two goals from Hickey that earned him the title, adding 16 hit outs and 15 disposals to his tallies as the Swans gave the Tigers a bit of a whack.
ROUND FOUR TOM HICKEY RETAINS IN A WIN OVER ESSENDON
Toot toot… all aboard the Hickey Express (sounds like a dirty eighties teen movie…) as the Swan gathered 27 hit outs, 14 disposals and an impressive eight clearances in the Sydney win over the Bombers.
23 hit outs and eight disposals was a decent return from Peter Wright, but Hickey was the best big man on the ground.
ROUND FIVE – TOM HICKEY RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST GWS
The Big Mummy was on deck to test the champ, next. Mumford notched 28 taps and 15 disposals as he pushed and shoved his way around the park, but Hickey’s return of 24 hit outs and 16 disposals was enough to keep the title around his waist.
Hickey appeared to injure a knee in the contest, which put the title in jeopardy the next week.
ROUND SIX – CALEB GRAHAM WINS THE TITLE… WHAT THE HELL?
As Tom Hickey sat on the sidelines, the unthinkable happened.
Not only did the Gold Coast Suns upset the Swans, but the team without a ruckman managed to steal the title in the process.
Fill-in ruck, Callum Sinclair, dominated the Suns, notching 54 hit outs and 13 disposals, but when the title is vacant, it goes to the best ruck on the winning team.
This is a little embarrassing… with totals of 11 hit outs and seven disposals, your new champion… Caleb Graham. Wow.
ROUND SEVEN – CALEB GRAHAM RETAINS IN A WIN OVER COLLINGWOOD
You’d look at this game and think this was about to be the third reign commencing for Brodie Grundy. Unfortunately, his team did not cooperate and the Suns got up by four goals, rendering his 30/20 game, comprising 37 hit outs and 21 disposals useless in terms of the title.
Caleb Graham retains the title in a massive upset, with six hit outs and ten disposals. Wow… again.
ROUND EIGHT – PADDY RYDER WINS THE TITLE AGAINST GOLD COAST
It was a matter of time until an established ruck gave the Suns a touch up in a win, and Ryder was the man to do it.
The Saints got up behind Ryder’s 27 hit outs, 11 disposals and a goal, easily outpacing the non-ruckman, Caleb Graham, and ending his reign. Graham ended with eight hit outs and six disposals to cap off the most unlikely of all reigns thus far.
ROUND NINE – PADDY RYDER RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST GEELONG
Despite going down to the Cats, Ryder’s return of 35 hit outs and eight disposals were just enough to hold off a strong performance by Mark Blicavs, who had 17 hit outs, 11 disposals and six clearances.
Imagine if they played Blicavs in the ruck all the time? Or even in defence all the time? Instead of everywhere at random times? Ah Chris Scott… the gift that keeps on giving, and taking away from Geelong fans.
ROUND TEN – PADDY RYDER RETAINS IN A LOSS TO THE DOGS
A massive 111-point loss for the Saints surely had Ryder’s reign in jeopardy, but in an amazing turn of events, the Dogs had Jordon Sweet as their number one ruck, and he managed only 16 hit outs and 14 disposals in the rout.
Ryder would be the Saints’ only winner, notching 41 hit outs and 12 disposals to retain the title in an absolute belting.
ROUND 11 – PADDY RYDER RETAINS IN A WIN OVER NORTH MELBOURNE
Another strong challenge from Todd Goldstein was turned back, as his 33 hit outs and 13 disposals was almost mirrored by Ryder’s 34 hit outs and 11 possessions.
Goldy has been consistently good as a challenger, but has not had that one huge game to get him over the line. That performance would have been wasted in this contest, with the Saints gaining the win and ensuring a successful defence for Ryder.
ROUND 12 – PADDY RYDER RETAINS IN A LOSS TO SYDNEY
Former champ, Tom Hickey returned to reclaim the title he lost due to injury, and was really close to pulling out the win. His Swans did the right thing and got the win, but Ryder’s 34 hit outs and 16 disposals were just enough to stave off the Hickey challenge.
The Big Swan finished with 16 hit outs, 21 disposals and seven clearances, but losing the hit out count by 18 was enough to deny him a second reign.
ROUND 13 – REILLY O’BRIEN WINS THE TITLE
The Crows get their first champion, with Reilly O’Brien once again proving his critics were very, very wrong about him.
Adelaide notch the win by six points, and despite Ryder’s 28 hit outs and ten touches, ROB had 30 hit outs, 16 disposals and eight big clearances to steal the title.
ROUND 14 – BYE
ROUND 15 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A LOSS TO CARLTON
A strong showing for the young star in the making, Tom De Koning was just not quite good enough to wrest the title from O’Brien, despite the Blues picking up the win.
TDK had 27 hit outs and six disposals, but ROB matched that with 27 hit outs of his own, and added 13 disposals to retain the strap.
ROUND 16 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A LOSS TO BRISBANE
36 hit outs and 16 disposals from the champ were enough to hold off the challenge from Oscar McInerney, who returned 30 taps and 16 disposals to go along with his eight clearances.
This was a close one, with the Big O’s clearance work highly regarded, but with ROB matching him., or bettering him in the other two categories, I give the benefit of the doubt to O’Brien.
ROUND 17 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST ESSENDON
With 40 hit outs and ten touches, ROB once again did enough to hold onto the title despite his team falling in a bit of a hole.
Young Bomber, Sam Draper was the best in red and black, registering 17 hit outs and ten disposals, but it was not enough to snatch the title away.
ROUND 18 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS THE TITLE AGAINST IN A LOSS TO WEST COAST
I’m sorry to say, but Nic Naitanui blew it in this one. This is the bloke who said he was too lazy, remember? If he were serious, he should have killed him, but ROB actually held his own over the duration of the game.
The champ finished with 27 hit outs and 11 disposals to turn back the challenge of Nic Nat, who finished with 32 touches and 11 disposals of his own – not enough to register a clear win and take the title.
On this, with Naitanui resting so often, his opponents end up doing damage against the second-string rucks. As a result, they manage to get their noses in front, or at least close enough to make awarding the title to Nic Nat unrealistic.
ROUND 19 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A WIN OVER HAWTHORN
A nice 20/20 game from O’Brien sees him register 24 hit outs and 23 disposals as he was far and away the best overall ruck on the ground.
Hawthorn’s two-ruck system continues, with interchanging parts, with McEvoy and Ned Reeves teaming up this time, but neither had the kind of influence to seriously challenge ROB for the belt.
ROUND 20 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A LOSS AGAINST THE DOGS
Finally, an impressive challenge from Tim English, with 27 hit outs, 14 touches, and a goal, but the champ was ready, willing and able to do the work necessary to retain the title.
ROB had 44 hit outs, 19 disposals, and six tackles to retain the title again despite his team falling over.
ROUND 21 – REILLY O’BRIEN RETAINS IN A LOSS TO PORT ADELAIDE
ROB is really making a habit out of holding onto the title in losses. He reminds me of a champion in wrestling who intentionally gets himself disqualified to ensure he holds onto the title even though he isn’t winning.
In this one, ROB had 29 hit outs and 17 touches to hold off the challenge of Scott Lycett. The Port big man had 28 taps and 15 possessions in his failed challenge.
ROUND 22 – MAX GAWN WINS THE TITLE AGAINST ADELAIDE
Oh no.. injury strikes again. Do you know what that means?
Without Reilly O’Brien in the mix, the title would go to the best ruck on the winning team in this contest. The Crows trotted out Kieran Strachan. The Dees had Max Gawn. Can we guess what happened next?
Strachan was solid, adding 25 touches and 11 disposals, but Max Gawn was dominant, registering 26 hit outs, 19 touches and ten clearances to claim his first Mongrel Ruck Championship. Onya, Maxy.
ROUND 23 – MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
Gawn… Gawn… GAWN!!!!
Not only did he have a big 30/20 game in his first defence, he went back and capped a furious comeback to slot the winning goal and cover himself in glory. What a man!
Gawn finished with 39 hit outs, 25 disposals and a goal to turn back Rhys Stanley, who had 33 hit outs and 13 touches.
FINALS WEEK ONE – MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A WIN OVER BRISBANE
A big outing from the Big O, with 30 hit outs, 17 disposals and nine clearances was in vain, as Max Gawn was the dominant big man on the park. The Melbourne captain had 37 hit outs, 19 disposals and seven tackles as his Dees moved into the Prelim.
PRELIMINARY FINAL – MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A WIN OVER GEELONG
Was this the finest performance of Max Gawn’s career?
His five goals, including a running goal from 50 that brought the house down, went with 33 hit outs and 19 disposals as his Demons disposed of the Cats.
Rhys Stanley battled hard for 26 hit outs, 11 touches and a goal, but he was left for dead by the rampant Gawn.
GRAND FINAL – MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A WIN OVER THE DOGS
A 30/20 game in the Grand Final finished off a wonderful season for the Melbourne captain, with the Mongrel Ruck Championship fastened tightly around his waist.
Gawn returned 30 hit outs and 21 disposals in another excellent outing, turning back the challenge of Stef Martin in the process. Martin finished with 18 hit outs and 14 disposals.
2022 results
ROUND ONE
MAX GAWN RETAINS
Though not dominant by any stretch, Gawn does enough in the Melbourne win to hold onto the title. He registers 14 disposals and 34 hit outs, but is beaten around the ground by Tim English, of all people.
English has 20 touches and six marks, but as per usual, cannot match it with a decent big man in the hitouts, down -16 on the day.
Alas, English’s effort count for naught. The Dees prevail, ensuring Gawn retains the title.
ROUND TWO
MAX GAWN RETAINS
Another win by the Dees ensures that Gawn lives to fight another day, but Jarrod Witts has his way in the ruck contests, with a +20 advantage on Gawn, who deferred to Luke Jackson to do a fair bit of the heavy lifting.
Witts had ten touches, but Gawn had 18 and a goal, indicating he was able to find space and capitalise when Jackson took the reins.
ROUND THREE
MAX GAWN RETAINS
A beatdown… a comprehensive beatdown inflicted by the champ on the up-and-coming Bomber.
Draper was restricted to just two disposals as he was obliterated by Gawn around the ground. The champ finished with 22 touches and was actually challenged more by Andrew Phillips than he was, Draper.
ROUND FOUR
MAX GAWN RETAINS
Next victim… Scott Lycett
The Power big man was unable to match it with Gawn around the ground, with the Dees’ captain racking up 25 touches and a goal to go along with his 33 hit outs.
In response, an injured Lycett managed 22 hit outs, but was soundly beaten around the ground, notching just 10 disposals.
ROUND FIVE
MAX GAWN RETAINS
A surprisingly tough tussle, individually, at least. Matt Flynn worked hard against Gawn to amass 11 touches, 27 hit outs and a goal.
However, the might of Gawn would not be denied, with the champ collecting 21 touches, 25 hit outs and two goals to help power the Dees home.
ROUND SIX
MAX GAWN RETAINS
Another week, another title defence, as Gawn and his Dees accounted for Toby Nankervis and his Tigers.
The two captains’ head-to-head clash was probably the closest aspect of the game, with Gawn +6 in hit outs and Nankervis +2 in disposals.
Still, the Dees win and Gawn retains as a result.
ROUND SEVEN
MAX GAWN RETAINS
A field day. An absolute field day fr the champ, as he monstered young Hawk ruck, Max Lynch en route to collecting 29 disposals, 35 hit outs and two goals.
Though the Hawks were quite valiant in defeat, a win is a win for the Dees, and a title defence is a title defence for Gawn. This is starting to look Grundy-esque in terms of his reign.
ROUND EIGHT
MAX GAWN RETAINS
For the first time this season, Gawn was arguably beaten in the ruck. Only marginally, with Paddy Ryder matching him for disposals, but being +3 in hit outs and adding a goal to his totals.
However, the Dees came to the rescue by beating the Saints, and given a title can only change hands when you win, the narrow win from Ryder was like picking up a count out win over the champ… Gawn retains.
ROUND NINE
MAX GAWN RETAINS
Almost a walkover.
With Nic Naitanui out of action, Gawn deferred largely to Luke Jackson to handle the bulk of the ruck work. Even when dividing his time between ruck and forward, Gawn was able to rack up a game-high 26 hit outs and added 17 touches.
His opponent, Bailey Williams, managed eight touches and seven hit outs, but he did manage to squeeze home a goal.
ROUND TEN
MAX GAWN RETAINS
A surprising tussle with the combination of Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri stretched Gawn and Jackson a little, but with the Dees running away with the game in the last quarter, any thoughts of a surprise title switch were snuffed out.
Gawn had 15 touches, snagged a goal, and added 24 ht outs in defence number 14.
ROUND 11
MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A LOSS
It was tight, with the Dockers running over the top of the Dees and Sean Darcy pressing his case with 16 touches, a goal, and 32 hit outs, but I have always said the win must be decisive.
And with 20 touches, eight marks and 20 hit outs, Gawn did enough to escape with his title intact… just
ROUND 12
MAX GAWN RETAINS IN A LOSS
The Dees were beaten, but not so the champ.
Matched against Peter Ladhams, Gawn was the single best player on the ground, notching 28 touches, nine marks, 30 hit outs and three booming goals to keep his team in the game.
Ladhams, amazingly, was not terrible, but his 13 touches and 16 hit outs do not go close to matching the champ.
ROUND 13
MAX GAWN RETAINS IN LOSS
Contentious…
Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron tag-teamed Gawn in a manner I have not witnessed since I found an old VHS tape I hid years ago and… well, I am sure you know what happened on that tape.
Gawn had 13 touches and 15 hit outs – down on his regular output as he was hurt in the third quarter. Cameron added 15 touches and 19 hit outs to take the points decision – equivalent to a count out win, and despite being in the best two players on the ground, with 21 touches and eight marks, Mason Cox had only nine hit outs, so once again, but the skin of his teeth, Gawn manages to retain in a very cowardly-heel type way.
Not that I am saying Gawn was a coward – if you think that, you don’t get it. I more meant that he found a way to retain the title despite not being the best ruck on the ground.
ROUND 14 – BYE
It was revealed during the week that Gawn will be missing 3-5 weeks due to an ankle injury sustained in the Collingwood game. Sorry Max… your reign is at an end.
ROUND 15
*** DARCY CAMERON WINS THE TITLE ***
With Max Gawn on the sidelines, the merciless HB Meyers stripped him of the belt, announcing that the best ruck on a winning team would become the new champ in R15.
Luke Jackson was solid, but Oscar McInerney was just as good opposite him.
Toby Nankervis had a 20/20 games with 22 disposals and 25 hit outs, but did so in a losing cause, ruling him out, and Rowan Marshall’s dominant 23 touches and 42 taps was wasted in a losing side, as well.
That left Darcy Cameron.
Working in tandem with Mason Cox, he notched 17 touches, eight marks, 23 taps and two goals to hold the title aloft and claim his first Mongrel Ruck Championship.
ROUND 16
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
Cameron had an enthralling battle with Jarrod Witts, with the Suns ruck perhaps slightly ahead, but nowhere near enough to claim the belt.
Cameron’s Pies won the match, ensuring the belt stayed with the champ, but Cameron was able to present as an excellent marking target and walked away with his title intact.
ROUND 17
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
A bit of a battle of the giants both in the midfield, and in front of goals, with Cameron and Todd Goldstein combining for five goals for the afternoon – not a bad day’s work for the big fellas.
The Pies got up by eight points, with Cameron’s three goals pivotal in the wash up. Goldy finished with 2.2 and accurate kicking may have seen him have a red hot go at claiming the belt. Alas, the Roos went down, Cameron retained and went on his merry way, with title defence number two.
ROUND 18
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
A narrow win for the Pies secures the successful defence for Cameron, but his performance against Reilly O’Brien would have got him over the line even had the Crows fund one extra goal to pinch the win.
Cameron had 17 disposals and 31 hit outs to go with a goal as he battled hard in a tag team effort against the Crows. Mason Cox was a solid backup, notching 27 taps of his own.
ROUND 19
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
The Pies sneak home again, on an end-to-end play, culminating with an after-the-siren goal from Jamie Elliott to pinch the win from the Bombers.
The late flurry saves Cameron from losing the titl to Sam Draper, who was +12 on Cameron in disposals and +6 in hit outs.
Just one defensive effort from the Bombers could have snatched the title for Draper. Instead, Cameron continues his reign.
ROUND 20
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
The Pies and close wins… name a more iconic pair.
The Power were without a legitimate ruck, throwing Jeremy Finlayson into the position, which created an interesting scenario. Cameron had 16 touches, 26 taps, and a goal, whilst Finlayson played more as an additional mid, notching 20 disposals, 13 taps, and a goal.
Amazingly, Champion Data started rating Finlayson as an “elite” ruck. Kind of like I am an elite sportswriter, I guess.
In the grand scheme of it, easy title defence for DC.
ROUND 21
DARCY CAMERON RETAINS
Talk about the team coming together to save the champ… Max Gawn was looking at regaining the title he lost to Cameron earlier in the season, and man… he delivered a monster performance.
31 disposals, 27 hit outs, and ten marks punctuated a dominant Gawn effort, and he left DC in his wake, as the champ finished with just six disposals and 21 hit outs.
Buuuuuut, the champion’s advantage worked well for Cameron, here, as his Pies were able to tough out a seven-point win against the Dees and afford him the luxury of a successful defence despite being outplayed.
The champ was definitely on the ropes by this stage.
ROUND 22
*** TOM HICKEY WINS THE TITLE ***
Ruck Jesus!!!
The Swans brought the Collingwood win-streak to an abrupt halt with a convincing 27-point win, and the battle for the title was a tough one.
DC actually had more hit outs, +4 on the day, whilst Hickey had a +4 advantage in disposals.
So, how could Hickey win the title?
Because I am a bit of an ass?
Maybe – Hickey had 18 contested touches in this game, which were invaluable to the Swans when the footy was there to be won. He was a powerhouse in the clinches and made a huge difference to the result. It was enough for me to be swayed, particularly as DC put +4 on the hit outs in the last quarter, which several of them coming very late. The game was toast by then.
ROUND 23
TOM HICKEY RETAINS
I expect better from Rowan Marshall. I’ve expected better for a couple of years, now, actually.
Not only did the Swans win this one, but the Ruck Jesus beat out Marshall in both disposals and hit outs, doing more than enough to ensure that the title remained around his waist.
As for Marshall, eight disposals and no marks from a big man of his ability… very disappointing.
FINALS WEEK ONE
TOM HICKEY RETAINS
Another chance for Big Max to regain his belt went to waste, as the Dees fell to the Swans and Hickey more than kept pace with the big fella.
Gawn was +2 in disposals and +6 in hit outs, but Hickey gained a +2 advantage in clearances.
Alas, Gawn’s efforts were again for naught, as the Swans won and Hickey retained.
FINALS WEEK TWO – SYDNEY BYE
FINALS WEEK THREE
TOM HICKEY RETAINS
A strong challenge from former champ, Darcy Cameron fell short, just as the Collingwood challenge did in the end.
The Pies lost by a point, robbing DC of his chance to pinch the title back. The question as to whether he did enough to take it, had the Pies won, is an interesting one. Hickey was +13 in hit outs, but DC added a goal to his +2 advantage in disposals.
I doubt that would have been good enough.
Hickey walks the title into the Grand Final.
2022 AFL GRAND FINAL
*** MARK BLICAVS WINS THE TITLE ***
The backup ruck… the guy who can do a bit of everything. The dual Geelong B&F winner, and on the last Saturday in September, he became the reigning Mongrel Punt Ruckman Champion.
Blicavs attended 26 centre bounces (enough for me, and just one fewer than Rhys Stanley) as he collected 23 touches, eight tackles, a goal, and 15 hit outs.
The champ battled hard, but his entire team struggled, and he was no different. Blicavs had impact. Hickey had none.
As a result, Geelong – the team whose ruck stocks have been lambasted for years, has the Mongrel Punt Ruckman Champion heading into the 2023 season.
Damn you, Geelong… you glorious bastards.
And there we go… that was a mountain of work. That said, I really love stuff like this and plan to keep it going in conjunction with the Midfield Championship Title Belt columns for the next… forever.
A few lists rounding out the records for the Mongrel Ruckman Championship Belt are below.
NUMBER OF CHAMPIONSHIP REIGNS
BRODIE GRUNDY X 2
TOBY NANKERVIS X 2
DARCY CAMERON X 2
TOM HICKEY X 2
MAX GAWN X 2
TOM BOYD X 1
SAM JACOBS X 1
AARON SANDILANDS X 1
REILLY O’BRIEN X 1
CALEB GRAHAM X 1
PADDY RYDER X 1
MARK BLICAVS X 1
OSCAR MCINERNEY X 1
HIGHEST NUMBER OF DEFENCES
BRODIE GRUNDY – 63
SAM JACOBS – 18
MAX GAWN – 17
OSCAR MCINERNEY – 12
DARCY CAMERON – 8
REILLY O’BRIEN – 7
AARON SANDILANDS – 6
TOM HICKEY – 5
PADDY RYDER – 4
MARK BLICAVS – 0 (LOL…come on Blitz… not even on defence? Even Caleb Graham managed one!)
LONGEST INDIVIDUAL REIGN
BRODIE GRUNDY – 46 DEFENCES.
NUMBER OF UNSUCCESSFUL TITLE SHOTS PER CLUB
ADELAIDE – 4
BRISBANE – 6
CARLTON – 9
ÇOLLINGWOOD – 5
ESSENDON – 13
FREMANTLE – 7
GEELONG – 12
GOLD COAST – 6
GWS – 9
HAWTHORN – 7
MELBOURNE – 8
NORTH MELBOURNE – 9
PORT ADELAIDE – 8
RICHMOND – 11
ST KILDA – 8
SYDNEY – 8
WEST COAST – 13
WESTERN BULLDOGS – 8
Obviously, this is a “sliding doors” kind of system, where a title switch or two means more shots for some teams over others, based on the fixture and when the title change happens. It’s not a conspiracy against Adelaide, I promise.
This is obviously a mountain of work. If y like this type of stuff, you could buy me a coffee – I do like coffee, but there is no guarantee I won’t use it to buy a doughnut… I like them more. And I am not brought to you by Sportsbet or Ladbrokes… or Bet365, or any of them.
