Shaun Hampson Research

[Danzac]

Through 2012 and 2013 Hampson played 19 games and was never used as the sole legit ruckman. Not once. Every game he played he either had Kreuzer or Warnock as his running mate.

In 2013 he had one game where his ruckmate had less then 20 hit-outs, round 4 (Warnock 17 HOs) where he scored 78 SC points.

In 2012 There were 4 games where is ruckmate had less then 20 hit-outs, but at the same time they never had less then 12. In those games Hampson scored 71, 55, 115 and 61 SC points. Understandable scores for going 50/50 in the ruck.

In 2011 Hampson actually had 2 games where he was on his lonesome in the ruck, scoring 81 and 74 SC points. He had 2 games where his partner had less then 20 HOs, and scored 89 and 62 in those games.

This looks intriguing if you think he has upside when accompanied by a 2nd banana/forward instead of a real ruckman, but how long is Maric really going to be out for?

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-02-24/delayed-start-for-maric-after-surgery
This link says Maric will miss 6-8 weeks from 24 February. If we take worst case of 8 weeks (21 April), Maric will return in round 6. Is 5 rounds enough for Hampson to rise from $334k a significant amount? Doubt it.

[shaker]

With Maric out will Griffiths get a gig and steal some of Hampson's scores

[RaisyDaisy]

Anyone thinking of starting Hampson, Hickey, Longer, Grundy etc as long as your being realistic and are comfortable knowing they will get you 60-80 (Maybe one big score out of the blue) per week then it doesn't matter which you pick

How does the saying go? You can put a suit on a goat but its still a goat. I think people here are trying to convince themselves that any of these guys are going to turn into premiums or be able to average 90+ and its just not going to happen

You get these guys because they are cheap, but know they will give you cheap scores

[HotTiges]

Yeah just like Maric before arriving at Tigerland..

[colmullet]

Anyone thinking of starting Hampson, Hickey, Longer, Grundy etc as long as your being realistic and are comfortable knowing they will get you 60-80 (Maybe one big score out of the blue) per week then it doesn't matter which you pick

How does the saying go? You can put a suit on a goat but its still a goat. I think people here are trying to convince themselves that any of these guys are going to turn into premiums or be able to average 90+ and its just not going to happen

You get these guys because they are cheap, but know they will give you cheap scores

The only reason these guys are being considered is circumstances have changed, if Hicky/Hampson were not going to be playing first ruck then noone would be going near them, however they will now get much more opportunity to score and be in the game now and should lift their averages by a decent amount.

[RaisyDaisy]

I'm not saying they are bad picks guys - I completely understand why many people are starting them

All I'm saying is that don't expect too much, its not often that these types of guys break out ala Maric (yes HotTiges :) )

I think Hickey would be the best pick, but you would want to make sure Longer is not playing

At least with Hickey, he should play as the number 1 ruck all year, and if does produce good scores then you can delay his upgrading so thats a bonus, where as Hampson wont be once Maric returns

[cortez]

Is Maric out for long enough to go on the lti list and big O come in?

[RaisyDaisy]

Is Maric out for long enough to go on the lti list and big O come in?

Nah, should be back around rd 4-7 or so

Once Maric comes back, guys like Vickery and even Griffiths if his playing can lend Ivan a chop out, so I don't see Hampson being a wise pick

[Blues Blues Blues]

As a Carlton supporter, I'd advise against picking him...

[Maggie May]

Anyone thinking of starting Hampson, Hickey, Longer, Grundy etc as long as your being realistic and are comfortable knowing they will get you 60-80 (Maybe one big score out of the blue) per week then it doesn't matter which you pick

How does the saying go? You can put a suit on a goat but its still a goat. I think people here are trying to convince themselves that any of these guys are going to turn into premiums or be able to average 90+ and its just not going to happen

You get these guys because they are cheap, but know they will give you cheap scores

Yep I agree.  Put realistic expectations on them.  I am looking at going with one of those, mainly because every year the must have ruck changes.  Minson & Goldstein are it this year, last year it Maric & Naitinui, I think in other years Mumford, Pyke, Jacobs and I'm probably forgetting a few have gotten a gig in that bracket.  The only one who has been able to back up year on year is Cox and it's hard to predict how he will go this year if Naitinui can get fit.

So I'm going with a mid priced ruck line of (ATM) Grundy & Sandi, which will allow me a chance once there real stuff starts to have a look at the who the best ruckman are, I can then go from there.

[Danzac]

5 rounds for Hampson isn't enough for me.
10-12 rounds? Yes. Less? No

[RaisyDaisy]

Yep I agree.  Put realistic expectations on them.  I am looking at going with one of those, mainly because every year the must have ruck changes.  Minson & Goldstein are it this year, last year it Maric & Naitinui, I think in other years Mumford, Pyke, Jacobs and I'm probably forgetting a few have gotten a gig in that bracket.  The only one who has been able to back up year on year is Cox and it's hard to predict how he will go this year if Naitinui can get fit.

So I'm going with a mid priced ruck line of (ATM) Grundy & Sandi, which will allow me a chance once there real stuff starts to have a look at the who the best ruckman are, I can then go from there.

Good approach

I haven't considered this approach, was just going to go with Cox/NicNat and Sandi, but after reading that you make a really good point

I have gone a premo mid short, allowing me to get a strong R1, but perhaps I should look at starting say a Hickey, and picking an extra premium mid. With the premium mids, we know Watson, Rockliff etc are going to smash 110+, but with the rucks, what if Cox finally slows down? What if NicNat interrupted preseason causes his to miss the odd game through being managed? And the reality is that any one could be this years Top rucks

Thanks Maggie, gave me something to think about :)

[BigMac93]

I recon Maric will be managed with caution given his injury problems over the last 2 years so Hampson should still get plenty of ruck time even when Ivan comes back into the team.

[ubeaut]

I recon Maric will be managed with caution given his injury problems over the last 2 years so Hampson should still get plenty of ruck time even when Ivan comes back into the team.

Maybe, but his points and value will dry up as soon as Ivan returns. 4 - 7 rounds is not enough. Shame cos otherwise I'd start him.

[quinny88]

Hampson to average 90+ until Maric returns. You heard it hear first.

Still not getting him though because that could be short lived if Maric gets back in the opening month