Bargain Buys: Assessing the ruck/forward cheapie crop

We’ve talked about the Defenders, we’ve discussed the Middies, and now it’s time to delve our way into the Rucks and Forwards.



At first glance, both sets of cheapies don’t look too appealing, but I’ve found a few options that’ll make you feel a bit better about your team, and should ease any stress you have.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rucks</h2>



GWS



Brayden Preuss (RUC, $204,700, 31%)



There’s no denying Preuss has a ton of upside as a solo ruck. During his time at the Dees, Preuss played three games without Gawn and scored 84, 85, and a whopping 140!



Injuries have plagued his career so far; but for as long as he’s fit, he can definitely sit at R3 in your team.



GWS have Preuss, Flynn, and Briggs at their disposal, and I think it’s safe to assume that they’ll pick at least two. The question is: which two?



Verdict: Buy



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Hawthorn



Max Lynch (RUC, $207,700, 3%)



Lynch got his move away from the Pies and landed at the Hawks in search of more game time.



In his two AFL matches last year, he finished with an average of 54.5; and in the VFL, he averaged 97.



It’ll be interesting to see what the Hawks do with Big Boy McEvoy this year, because they may play him down back like they did last season.



If that’s the case, Lynch could share the ruck duties with Reeves, but we’ll have to wait and see.



Verdict: Watch



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North Melbourne



Charlie Comben (RUC/FWD, $123,900, 27%)



Owned by 27% of teams, Comben is evidently a popular pick, but I’m not too sure why.



In Norths most recent Intra-club trial, Comben started on the pink team (the two’s), and played as their main Key Forward.



If that’s Norths’ plan for him this year, he’s going to struggle to get a game competing against Edwards, CCJ, Larkey, and Xerri. I honestly don’t think there’s a spot for him.



Verdict: Avoid



Port Adelaide



Sam Hayes (RUC, $123,900, 17%)



There’s no doubt that Lycett will be Port’s main Ruckman this year, that’s a lock. But with the departure of Ladhams, there is now an opening for Hayes to take full advantage of.



With three full seasons of experience under his belt, it’s the perfect time for Hayes to prove his worth to the Power. In the SANFL last year, he averaged 100, including four 120+ scores. He’s also a MUCH cheaper option than Preuss or Lynch.



Verdict: Buy



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards</h2>



Brisbane



Ely Smith (FWD/MID, $123,900, 9%)



All signs pointed toward Ely playing last year, but two Syndesmosis injuries unfortunately put a halt to that.



The 21-year-old played on-ball in Brisbane’s Intra-club match (for the B team), which in itself is a good indication of the progression that he’s made since his injuries, regardless of whether it was the B’s or not.



If Smith can stay fit this season, you can lock him in for a game at some point.



Verdict: Buy



Carlton



Charlie Curnow (FWD, $224,300, 27%)



One of the most selected forwards in the comp, Curnow should definitely provide his owners with lots of good vibes.



If he’s fully fit, there’s no doubt that he can average 70+ this season; and priced at just above a rookie, there’s not a lot that can go wrong.



Verdict: Buy



Corey Durdin (FWD, $143,700, 1%)



Durdin developed some experience at the back end of last year, playing in the last two games as a small forward. He didn’t quite replicate the lofty heights he set during his SANFL year, but with another pre-season under his belt, Corey can definitely take his game to another level this year.



Verdict: Watch



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Essendon



Kaine Baldwin (FWD, $123,800, 3%)



I had the privilege of playing against Kaine Baldwin in school footy back in Adelaide. Well, I say play&#8230; Unfortunately, the last three years have been incredibly cruel to Kaine; tearing his ACL in 2019, and then AGAIN in 2020.



Luckily, he was picked up by the Bombers in 2021’s pre-season supplemental selection period, and is continuously impressing the Essendon coaching staff with his determination and talent.



If he’s able to keep his body in good shape this year, I’m confident he’ll get some games at some point. Watch this space.



Verdict: Watch



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Fremantle



Will Brodie (FWD/MID, $224,300, 11%)



Now let’s talk about Will Brodie. Can we talk about Will Brodie please? I’ve been dying to talk about Will Brodie with you all day.



Although he led the Suns in hard-ball gets, was second in tackles and handballs, and third in disposals in the final six games of 2019; Brodie never managed to get his career underway on the Gold Coast.



Although, in the VFL, he averaged a massive 121 last season. There are concerns regarding his job security (especially with the large number of midfielders Freo just drafted), but the Dockers wouldn’t have signed Brodie if they didn’t have a plan to use him.



He’s burnt owners before, but I think I’m ready to give Good Will Brodie another crack in my team.



Verdict: Buy



Western Bulldogs



Charlie Parker (FWD/MID, $102,400, 33%)



Admittedly, I left Charlie Parker out of my Midfield Cheapies article last week, but it wasn’t because I don’t think he’s a good option; I just simply thought he was a FWD/MID when in reality he’s a MID/FWD. 



I actually think Charlie (a basement price rookie) is an incredible option! Now, don’t get me wrong, this Bulldogs team is extremely hard to break into; and it will take a lot for the mature ager to prove his worth to arguably the premiership favourites, but Charlie is known for adapting to new environments quickly. 



In just five years, he’s gone from playing Division 1 Reserves for the Adelaide University Blacks in the South Australian Amateur Football League, to A Grade, then to Sturt Reserves in the SANFL, to Sturt League, and now he’s found himself at the Kennel. Five years&#8230; It’s pretty remarkable. 



If there’s one cheapie who’s capable of breaking into a premiership calibre team, it’s Charlie Parker.



Verdict: Buy

Bargain Buys: Assessing the ruck/forward cheapie crop

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