Cox to play 2nd ruck?

[brett71]

Has anybody been watching Cox in the pre season? Article in the Age today saying Cox has been massive and may play 3rd tall and ruck superceding Witts to the seconds? Has he been training well enough to make this feasible?

[cityslick1]

Interesting from The Age. Wonder if they're fishing for stories or have heard something genuine from inside the club.

I've been to training sessions and have shared similar thoughts. One session in particular mason was the most dominant around the ground ruckman, whilst Brodie dominated up forward. Witts also struggled to get involved, prompting me to table the thought of the combination.

With Brodie seemingly a lock for the no.1 spot, here are the Witts vs Cox comparisons (imo)...

Strength - Witts. Mason is still under developed for his height, & is behind Witts in wrestling / ground ruck duels.

Athleticism - Cox. Better leap, faster... more upside. Cox wins here.

Field kicking - Witts. Mason still adapting to kicking on the run, and to a leading target. Witts still susceptible here at times, but currently gets the nod.

General play - Cox. Admittedly hasn't done it in an AFL game yet, but he looks more effective around the ground to me. Racks up link up play possessions and reads the play well. Witts does this at times, but not enough.

Kicking for goal - Even. Neither perfect. Cox needs to show it in big games, but whilst he can still scuff them, has a better technique, looks more comfortable and looks to have a mental edge from 40+ metres.

Desire - even. Witts has more AFL type aggression from his longer involvement in the game, but Mason has ambition, equal willingness to push himself, and mental edge over Witts imo.

Smarts - Cox. V clever and mature boy. Think bucks loves this type of trait, so would be keen to get him involved in the starting 22 at some stage... on merit of course.

Up forward - TBC. This could be the clincher. Witts has a few runs on the board in the firsts, but has been less than effective in too many games. Doesn't do enough with his size and doesn't get in the right positions often enough. Cox has done it in the seconds, and shows promise here, but the defenders in the real stuff are a different proposition. NAB Cup will be interesting to see, where a breakout game from either player could be enough to get them a guernsey for round 1.

Personal opinion... Witts has age and experience on his side, but Mason still looks to have more potential. Witts could still push on to become a dominant ruckman one day, but is testing Bucks' patience, and needs to show more signs of progress... soon. Mason's smarts, athleticism and development upside makes him a v attractive prospect, but he'll also need to convert this into game day performances, to convince the coaching staff he's ready for AFL action. I currently don't have either in my best 22, but would love for one of them to grab a game by the scruff of the neck & demand a spot during the NAB Cup. I've no doubt Bucks would too...

[stui magpie]

If Cox played as a leading forward from the goal square, I can't see how any defender could legally spoil him.

[thompsoc]

Going on what I saw last year i believe Cox will be a better forward than Witts. He is a better kick at goal in comparison to Witts.
But I think Witts has the edge around the ground.
It will be interesting to see what improvement Cox has made over the summer.

[Darkstranger]

Throw him into the NAB games and let's see what happens

[jackcass]

Be interesting to see what progress he's made in the off season. Might be a chance later in the year but a more likely option in 2017 I'd have thought.

[PyreneesPie]

[neil]

[3.14159]

Cox is a very good set shot for goal.

[RudeBoy]

Witts is way ahead of Cox at present.

[neil]

[CarringbushCigar]

Its going to be a tough call touch wood, and White can not be completely ruled out.
Lets hope all are fit and available for the majority of the season.

I think the no.1 KPI will be 2nd efforts.
Key tackles at clearances, not letting defenders run around them.
Big Mumford style hits - intimidation, positive energy.
Big plays at big moments.
Shepherds, blocks - creating space for our mids.
Bringing the ball front and square consistently in marking contests.
Support support - talk talk.

You right - its really desire, smarts and quickness of mind.
I'm not thinking Brodie is a walk-up start but hoping he also brings all this and then he is.

[stui magpie]

^

Grundy provides all the grunt you said, Witts isn't bad at all but isn't as Agro as Grundy. Cox won't ever be an overly physical type but has amazing athleticism for his height so is better suited to being a tall leading forward and tap ruckman.

I could see us playing either Grundy or Witts as 1st ruck, depending on matchups and form, and Cox as 2nd ruck/3rd tall instead of White.

If he continues to develop, good problem to have and we still have Gault and the Bogan BBaller in reserve

[thompsoc]

[neil]