Matt Rendell believes Essendon ruckman Sam Draper has the potential to be one of the top three ruckmen in the AFL in 2023.
The former Collingwood recruiter has Melbourne pair Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy as the clear top two in the competition as things stand.
“Max Gawn is clearly the number one ruckman in the competition,” Rendell told SEN SA.
“A fit Brodie Grundy is number two.”
Grundy has joined Gawn at the Dees following the trade period in what will be a fascinating combination.
As for who currently holds the bronze medal, Rendell believes it’s up for grabs.
“I was tossing up Jarrod Witts or Nic Naitanui. Naitanui just doesn’t do enough around the ground. Great at the centre bounces,” he said.
“Witts does a lot of work everywhere. One of the great improvers. Doesn’t really hurt you with his ball winning.
“I’d be tempted to put the next big thing in at number three in Sam Draper, ahead of Sam Darcy.
“He’s certainly the next up and comer Draper, no doubt about that.”
He doesn’t quite have Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English on the same level.
“He’s been a slow burn. It’s taken him a long while to get an AFL body and to play in the ruck. I need to see another season of him in the ruck,” Rendell said.
“He’s going to ruck with Rory Lobb next year, he’s an interesting one.”
The veteran recruiter adds that he wouldn’t be using a fifth interchange spot for a second ruckman in 2023, should the AFL change the bench rules.
“I wouldn’t be using (a fifth interchange spot) for a ruckman,” he said.
“I would hope that you have your number one ruckman and then you’ve got a competent second one who can play as a key forward.
“Melbourne will be a bit different with Gawn and Grundy and that might change what a few other clubs do when they play them.
“I’m happy to have the two blokes in the 22 and use the other position for someone else.”
Listen to the full chat below