Ruck (Australian rules football) (original) (raw)

In Australian rules football, a ruckman or ruckwoman is typically a tall and athletic player who contests at centre bounces and stoppages (such as boundary throw-ins and ball-ups). The ruckman is one of the most important players on the field. They are often key to coaching strategy and winning centre clearances which result in the most goal kicking opportunities (inside 50s). The ruckman is typically the tallest player on either team. A typical professional Australian Football League ruckman is over 200 cm or 6'7.