South Australian Ethan Herbert has been a ruck prospect to watch for some time now. He has been a dominant force for the North Adelaide Roosters and was the No.1 ruck in the Talent League in both his bottom and top-aged seasons. Herbert has also had exposure at SANFL reserves level and was a member of the AFL National Academy.
He brings a new-age style of ruck craft; one that favours out-manoeuvring opponents to grab the ball out of the ruck as often as he can rather than always hitting it out. Who needs hitouts to advantage when you can grab the ball and handpass it straight to a teammate? He also has strong hands both down the line and inside 50.
Herbert's mobility is one of his biggest weapons; he is superb at ground level and he has excellent hands to find his teammates and kickstart offence out of stoppage.
His athleticism at 200cm has served him well playing in the ruck at Talent League level, however clubs have been keen to see Herbert spend time in a key position post at stages this year, as they consider the viability of selecting a relatively undersized prospect in the ever-growing position of the modern AFL ruck.
He did have some nice moments as a forward for both South Australia and North Adelaide, where he put together an impressive four-goal game. There is no question, though, that his best moments have come when playing as his team's primary ruckman.
The most pressing question surrounding Herbert's potential at the next level will be whether his preferred style of play and his perceived lack of size will be able to hold up against bigger, smarter and taller AFL-level opponents. He certainly has the skills and athleticism necessary to give himself every chance of success.
Strengths
Athleticism
Clearances
Ground Balls
Clean Hands
Draft Range
Picks 20-40
Potential Landing Spot(s)
Brisbane
Hawthorn
GWS
Western Bulldogs
Key Quote
“I've shown this year when I'm in the ruck, I act as an extra midfielder and take the pressure off the mids, so I feel that's where I do my best work.” - Ethan Herbert
