In the third chapter of Zero Hanger's positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023 AFL Draft, we'll be counting down the five best ruckmen on offer.
Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia are all represented in our top five, with each member on this list a live chance of earning a National Draft selection despite the lower reliance on ruckmen at the draft.
Headlined by a Suns Academy graduate, this year's ruck craft boasts a number of tall teenagers who stop the tape close to seven feet and above the 200cm mark.
The new age of ruckman has also led to this year's top prospects baosting elite endurance and/or sprinting skills as well as clean ball use and ground coverage.
SEE ALSO:Â THE FIVE BEST FORWARDS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:Â THE FIVE BEST DEFENDERS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
Accompanied by comments from AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best ruckmen for the 2023 AFL Draft...
2. Will GreenÂ
Position: Ruck
Height: 204cm
Weight: 93kg
State: Victoria
Club: Northcote
The Northern Knights talent was rewarded for a strong Talent League campaign with a selection at ruck in the Team of the Year, accompanied by midfielders Harley Reid, Ryley Sanders and Levi Aschroft in the side.
Green recorded 296 hitouts from 13 appearances for the Knights this year to rank third in the competition while also balancing National Championship duties for Vic Metro.
The 204cm ruckman would also be named in the U18 All-Australian side on the interchange from his three appearances at the carnival, where he averaged 12.0 disposals and 24.3 hitouts.
Green would also represent the AFL Academy this year in matches against Carlton's VFL side and Port Adelaide's SANFL squad, with his meeting against the latter the more impressive of the two.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â Developing tall who impressed throughout the year with his ruck craft, marking and mobility when playing for the Northern Knights, Victoria Metro and the Australia under 18s team. Holds his ground very well both under the ball in stoppages and marking contests and often provided great opportunities for his teammates at ground level.
