This year's race for the All-Australian ruck spot is like no other.
In previous years, Melbourne champion Max Gawn has been the main man in the selectors' eyes, claiming six blazers between 2016 and 2022.
Western Bulldogs Tim English has had his time in the spotlight after a dominant 2023 campaign while Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy received nods when he was at Collingwood.
However, this year seems different with as many as half a dozen rucks vying for the prestigious honour.
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Looking back on past teams, it's uncommon that two ruckmen are found in the final 22 despite it happening on occasion.
Gawn and Nic Naitanui in 2020 and 2021. Gawn and Grundy in 2018 and 2019.
And given the bias towards a midfield-heavy lineup, a ruck who is included in the 44-man squad should hold his head high for the accolade.
So who's in contention this year?
St Kilda's Rowan Marshall and North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri have put together outstanding seasons as standalone ruckmen for their respective sides.
Xerri's ability to follow up from the ruck contest has him ranked well ahead in tackles for the tall contingent while Marshall leads disposals for the group.
Brisbane's Oscar McInerney has quickly become a specialist at heaving the ball out of congestion from a stoppage while Collingwood's Darcy Cameron takes the crown as the intercept king.
Gawn's around-the-ground prowess and superior ruck craft are still on display despite the dip in his midfielders' output as Grundy, like at the Pies and Demons in years gone by, has operated as a fourth onballer for the Swans to elite effect.
Safe to say, they all have their modus operandi.
| Disposals | Intercept Marks | Clearances | Hit-outs to Adv | Score Involvements | Tackles | |
| Max Gawn | 381 | 38 | 100 | 194 | 106 | 52 |
| Rowan Marshall | 458 | 34 | 128 | 141 | 104 | 97 |
| Tristan Xerri | 387 | 25 | 139 | 194 | 91 | 170 |
| Brodie Grundy | 400 | 12 | 107 | 203 | 116 | 110 |
| Darcy Cameron | 346 | 55 | 83 | 181 | 90 | 62 |
| Oscar McInerney | 270 | 12 | 114 | 162 | 98 | 66 |
Honourable mentions do go to Hawthorn's Lloyd Meek and Carlton's Tom De Koning.
Now, putting our selectors cap on, there is a case to be made that at least three ruckmen should be included in the All-Australian squad.
Despite our subconscious always leaning toward Gawn given his excellence over a long period of time, it cannot be understated the work he does in the red and blue.
He's the captain for a reason and in many instances throughout 2024, has put the Demons on his shoulders.
As a result, he's the frontrunner.
The Kangaroos' helmet-wearing tough-nut Xerri immediately grabs the attention of the beholder given his unique playing attire.
However, his impressive follow-up work, reflective of his 170 tackles - inclusive of the Liam Ryan chase-down - and clearance mastery has him in second.
And lastly, Pies' Cameron is next in the queue to receive some reward for effort.
Collingwood's big man has become an expert in helping his team defend, showcased by his ability to intercept the ball from the opposition both in the air (55 marks) and on the ground (105 intercept possessions).
Cameron's tap work has improved out of sight, rivalling some of the competition's best, evidenced by his Round 23 knocks to Nick Daicos and Beau McCreery for goals, with the latter being the match-winner.
With the race being so tight among these six, the last round has plenty of riding on it.
Gawn and Cameron will do battle on Friday night to kick the weekend off while Xerri will face the imposing Meek.
McInerney will need to take on the Sam Draper and Nick Bryan duo against the Bombers as Grundy will look to assert his dominance over Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien.
And lastly, Marshall could count his lucky stars that De Koning is still out for the Blues and will want to stake his claim as the best ruckman in the game against Marc Pittonet as he strives for his first All-Australian blazer.
