Sydney will look at a two-ruck combination at "some point" in 2026 in a bid to support in-form ruckman Brodie Grundy.
Rivals have ventured down the ruck pairing following the introduction of the five-man bench as well as the ruck rule changes favouring jumping talls, especially in centre-ball up.
Grundy is arguably in career-best form, and the ruck mix is something Swans coach Dean Cox doesn't want to trifle with, but says he may have no choice in the matter when considering how to assist the former Pie.
"I think at some point we will," Cox said on SEN.
"It's taken a fair bit of our discussions this week with what Max (Gawn) can do as well. The other part is that, looking at Brodie and what he can do. It is a long season. How do we look after him as well as we possibly can as well as allowing to play the best football.
"So to Peter (Ladhams), unfortunately the position in the team is Brodie's, and at some stage, we will look at the two rucks, because his form in the VFL is outstanding."
Ladhams has been shafted to the VFL in 2026, with Cox favouring Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald as Grundy's support staff.
However, the ex-Port ruck has forced selection conversations following tremendous form in the reserves, including his latest effort that read like Playstation numbers.
Ladhams recorded 39 disposals, 47 hit-outs, 15 clearances, seven inside 50s, five score involvements and a goal in his latest start, which followed a pair of 20-plus possession performances earlier in the year, as well as 24 hit-outs.
Hayden McLean is also part of the discussion, applying pressure to McDonald in the senior side.
McLean has kicked 13 goals in four games, including nine in the past two, and poses as a ready-made selection for Cox.
McDonald's start to 2026 has been lean despite Sydney's scoring dominance. The key forward has kicked nine goals, but his latest outing against the Western Bulldogs was cause for concern, registering a measly five possessions and one behind.
He's held onto his role under Cox this week against Melbourne, but will be one to watch going forward.
Hawthorn and Fremantle have provided successful blueprints in playing two genuine ruckmen, while Collingwood have welcomed youngster Oscar Steene to help shoulder the load alongside Darcy Cameron.
St Kilda's experiment with Rowan Marshall and Tom De Koning has been successful to date, which is a path Cox and Swans will go down.
Gold Coast, like Sydney, is also considering a two-ruck attack, pairing Jarrod Witts with Ned Moyle.
