Sportsday Ken's Ten | Best Ruckmen in the AFL (17.03.26)
Mar 17, 2026
A lively countdown of the AFL's top ruckmen, ranking form, athleticism and big-game moments. Short takes on rising stars, veterans staging comebacks, and players who dominate hit-outs and marking contests. Quick-fire reactions and a final recap round out the list.
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Ken's Current-Form Ruckmen Ranking
- Ken Hinkley ranked the top 10 AFL ruckmen this week focusing on current season impact rather than career accolades.
- He emphasized game-time value: players like Darcy Fort make the list because they perform when called upon in crucial moments.
Aerial Skills Boost Ruckmen Value
- Ken values aerial presence and marking ability in ruckmen, placing Nankervis and Darcy Cameron in his top 10 for those traits.
- He called Cameron an 'intercept ruckman' who marks a lot but questioned some other aspects of his game.
Ruck Influence Beyond Hit-Outs
- Ken rewards ruckmen who impact general play, not just hit-outs, elevating Tim English and Tristan Sherry for their broader damage around the ground.
- He noted English is 'really starting to emerge' and Sherry was All-Australian conversation last year.