Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, eat your heart out.
The AFL’s ruck renaissance looks set to continue with officials expecting the league’s big men to capitalise on tweaks to the game.
Nine rule changes will come into effect this season including the introduction of starting positions at centre bounces.
Six players will be required to start in each of the the two 50m arcs, four in the centre square zone and two on the wings.
This reduces congestion at centre bounces by preventing teams from having players sprinting in from the back of the square.
AFL football boss Steve Hocking is overseeing the rule’s implementation and expects it will benefit the likes of All-Australian duo Gawn and Grundy.
“The feedback we’re getting from umpires and coaches and some players as well is that the starting positions are having an immediate impact,” Hocking told SEN radio.
“It’s going to suit dominant ruckmen, there’s no question about that.
“The midfielders have more space to work in. It’s only seconds but it makes a difference.”
Ruckmen had a far greater influence on games last season as a result of the third-man up being banned at stoppages.
West Coast’s dual ruck set-up played a big part in their premiership triumph with Nathan Vardy and Scott Lycett both influential in the grand final win over Collingwood.
Other tweaks include scrapping the hands-in-the-back rule, giving players greater time and space at kick-ins and the freedom to play on after receiving a 50m penalty.
The AFL has made umpires available to clubs since December in an attempt to ensure the changes are brought in smoothly.
“We’re trying to get the umpires, players and coaches in a rhythm,” said Hocking.
“We don’t want to launch the 2019 season and the fans find it jarring because the players and the umpires aren’t up to speed on those modifications to the game.”