Geelong utility Sam De Koning says the new ruck rules will give him and the Cats an advantage against other sides in the league, utilising his jumping ability at centre bounce.
The AFL introduced new ruck rules during the offseason. At a centre ball-up, ruckmen will no longer be able to cross the centre line before engaging with their opposition ruckmen, benefiting high-jumping talls like De Koning.
"I think that my athleticism, in terms of jumping and not being blocked out of the way by some of the ruckmen who like to come across the line, I know that I defaulted to that position," De Koning said.
"But I think that the new rule of being able to jump really helps my game in the centre bounces, for sure."
De Koning's career started by winning a premiership as a key defender, but he has had a steady increase in ruck time over his playing journey, featuring in around 10 per cent of ruck contests last season and is ready for the opportunity once again in 2026.
"The ruck is definitely in play," he added.
"I pride myself on being able to be a flexible player for the team.
"If the coaches see me in that role, then I definitely see myself as a multi-faceted player who can play in multiple positions.
"It is definitely on the cards for 2026."
Geelong have typically used an unconventional ruck line-up over recent years, led by Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley, with De Koning and forward Shannon Neale featuring heavily in the ruck as well.
The league also have allowed umpires to restart play without a nominated ruckman present, which is aimed at speeding up the game, which lies in Geelong's favour with their unique strategy of having a ruck in each line.
"I think we have been able to work over opposition rucks well in the past by utilising multiple ruckmen across the ground," De Koning added.
"With the new rules about the quicker ball-ups, it is going to be good for us."
