Last we took a deep dive into the best midfielders for the 2024 AFL Supercoach season, and now we turn our attention to the rucks! This line can make or break your season, which means it’s crucial to nail your starting selections. That’s why we’ve offered up our thoughts and best picks for each price range.
Take a look at our best rucks list below and be sure to check out BeforeYouBet regularly to catch our best fantasy plays for each position, as well as tips and strategies to navigate the season!
AFL SuperCoach 2024: Rucks – Best Premiums, Mid-Pricers, and Cash Cows
PREMIUM RUCKS ($500K+)
Tim English (WBD $715,100) – He was the clear standout ruck in 2023 with a whopping 128 average. It was +22.5 from his previous best average in 2022 and he also managed to play every game for the first time in his career. English now has a massive price tag in 2024 and is currently only in 10% of teams as a result. The upside is clearly there, but is he worth the high price?
Rowan Marshall (STK $639,100) – The clear second-best ruck from 2023 is a solid pick again this season. Marshall is expected to play a lot of solo ruck again in 2024 and that proved to be a winning formula last campaign. Currently only in 7% of teams and could prove to be a decent POD.
Max Gawn (MEL $583,700) – Currently the second highest owned ruck at 51% and for good reason. Gawn was electric when solo rucking in 2023 and has proven to be the premier SuperCoach ruck for a number of years. Now at the much cheaper starting point compared to previous seasons, Gawn looks to be a fantastic selection.
(Max Gawn pictured above)
MID-PRICED RUCKS ($300K-$499K)
Brodie Grundy (SYD $481,900) – After a season to forget at the Demons, Grundy has joined the Swans where he will assume #1 ruck duties. He’s an absolute monster SuperCoach player in this role and is currently in a whopping 67% of teams. There’s very little risk picking Grundy at his cheap price and he seems to be the most obvious choice in his position.
Tristan Xerri (NTH $407,400) – If for some reason Grundy doesn’t make it to Round 1 and you’re in need of a cheaper ruck, then perhaps Xerri offers some value. He flashed some upside in 2023 when solo rucking and could average 90+ in a perfect world. Still, there’s better options available at the time of writing.
ROOKIE/CASH COW RUCKS (<$300K)
Jordon Sweet (PTA $158,700) – After little to no opportunity playing behind English at the Bulldogs, Sweet was acquired by the Power in the off-season. He’ll be fighting for the #1 ruck spot with fellow recruit Ivan Soldo, but there’s a chance he can land the gig in Round 1, with Soldo having an interrupted pre-season. If Sweet does get the Round 1 spot, then you should certainly be giving him a spot on your bench or even at R2 if you’re more risk inclined.
Sam Naismith (RIC $123,900) – If Sweet isn’t named to start the season then you could opt to go the cheaper bench option in Naismith who’s a chance to play senior footy this season. He’s clearly behind Toby Nankervis in the pecking order, but if the Nank goes down with injury then Naismith will get his opportunity and will make you some quick cash.
(Jordon Sweet pictured above)
