GEELONG's ruck position was once again owned by a committee of Cats in 2020.

Fort won the race for Round 1, Stanley won a hold of the first choice ruck position, while Mark Blicavs became a ruck/wing hybrid from Round 8.

The retirement of Harry Taylor could send Mark Blicavs back in defence next season, so the Geelong coaching staff will again have much to ponder ahead of 2021.

There's a new face on the scene as well, with the Cats securing the signature of 202cm, 18-year-old Australian basketballer Paul Tsapatolis as a Category B rookie.

Having not played organised football since Under 13s, Tsapatolis is likely a future project but an exciting prospect nonetheless. 

Rhys Stanley

Around the Ground: 11 Games, 12.73 Disposals, 0.91 Goals, 2.91 clearances,
The Ruck: 18.7 hitouts, 4.5 hitouts to advantage per game, 24.3% hitout to advantage percentage, 41.2% hitout win percentage
Best Game: Round 2 v Hawthorn, 2 Goals, 26 hitouts, 6 clearances, 6 Inside 50s, 1 goal assist

When uninjured, the ruck position belonged to Rhys Stanley in 2020.

While groin and knee injuries limited Stanley’s year to just 11 games, the athletic Cat performed when on the park.

Stanley regularly hit the scoreboard and managed his highest goal per game average for Geelong in reduced quarters while also making his presence felt around the clearances.

Mark Blicavs

Around the Ground:  21 Games, 12.52 Disposals, 2.81 Tackles, 2.14 clearances
The Ruck: 8.6 hitouts, 2.3 hitouts to advantage per game, 27.2% hitouts to advantage percentage, 41.7% hitout win percentage
Best Game: Round 8 v Fremantle, 19 Disposals, 24 Hitouts, 10 Clearances

With both Darcy Fort and Rhys Stanley unavailable for selection in Round 8, Geelong turned to Mark Blicavs to solve its ruck dilemma.

Twenty-four hitouts and 10 clearances later, Blicavs move from defence to a ruck/wing hybrid role was sealed.

The 198cm Cat’s ruckwork was stellar, recording the highest hitout win percentage and second highest hitout to advantage percentage of the club’s three recognised ruckmen.

The endurance athlete was able to work opposition rucks over with his gut running which was a valuable weapon for the Cats.

Darcy Fort

Around the Ground: 5 Games, 9.40 Disposals, 1.80 Tackles, 3.80 Clearances
The Ruck: 21.2 hitouts, 7.0 hitouts to advantage per game, 33.0% hitout to advantage percentage, 41.1% hitout win percentage
Best Game: Round 5 v Gold Coast, 12 Disposals, 25 hitouts, 3 Tackles, 3 Inside 50s, 3 Clearances, 1 Goal Assist

Luck wasn’t on Darcy Fort’s side this season, with his AFL opportunities ended by a pandemic and an untimely injury.

Fort won the preseason battle for the number one ruck role, entering round one against the Giants as Geelong’s go to big man.

One day later a global pandemic put the season on hold, with Rhys Stanley given the role on its resumption.

When Stanley went down with a knee injury after round three, Fort regained his role only to suffer bone stress in his foot after four games.

When he did play, the 27-year-old impressed with his tapwork, recording the highest hitout to advantage percentage at the club.

The Part-Timers

Esava Ratugolea

The Ruck: 6.0 hitouts, 1.3 hitouts to advantage per game, 22.2% hitout to advantage percentage, 34.3% hitout win percentage

The Flying Fijian continued his ruck education, offering flexibility as a ruck/forward option. 

Ratugolea's ruck involvement has stayed on a part-time basis for the present, reaching double-digit hitouts for the first time this season against Collingwood in Geelong's semi final encounter.

The career high mark for Esava remains at 19 hitouts, which came against Port Adelaide just four games into his career. 

Tom Hawkins

The Ruck: 2.1 hitouts, 0.7 hitouts to advantage per game, 31.1% hitout to advantage percentage, 24.1% hitout win percentage

Tom Hawkins is Geelong's go-to man inside the forward 50, and his ruckwork is nothing short of outstanding.

The big forward is creative with his tapwork and can monster opposition rucks in the boundary throw-in grapple.

His 11-hitout performance in the club's preliminary final against Brisbane was something to behold. 

Josh Jenkins

The Ruck: 7 hitouts, 2 hitouts to advantage, 28.6% hitout to advantage percentage, 25% hitout win percentage

Josh Jenkins provided a mixture of key position depth for the Cats at both ruck and forward.

His one opportunity at senior level came when Rhys Stanley was a late omission against the Bombers in Round 16, and Jenkins performed admirably on short notice. 

Given the Cats traded pick 37 for Jenkins and Adelaide’s future third round selection, the support role and veteran presence offered was a beneficial one for the Cats.