Rowan Marshall – Deck of DT 2022

Name: Rowan Marshall
Team: St Kilda
Position: RUC
Price: $752,000
Bye round: 12
2021 average: 89.7
2021 games played: 13
Predicted average: 98
Draft range: Top 5 ruck

Click here for 2022 Fantasy prices.

Why should I pick him?

The main reason to pick the big Saint is because he has the skill set and scoring ability to mix it with the big boys Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn and there aren’t many ruckmen you can say that about.

The versatile star gave a glimpse of where his career was tracking his third season (2019) where he was the Saints number one ruck and clearly tracking to be a top three big man of the competition. That year he averaged an impressive 99 from 20 games which included 12 hundreds, four of those being over 120.

That year he averaged 28 hit outs per game, but it was his ability to cover the ground and stuff the stat sheet that put him in the elite conversation. He collected over 20 possessions on eight occasions to average 18, while also averaging four marks and an impressive four tackles which included a high of eight.

So, that was his third year and the last two season trajectory has been foiled by injury and playing second fiddle to Paddy Ryder in the ruck, averaging 97 and 90 (still impressive and testament to his versatility and ability to score as a forward). But, at the end of last season, he showed us what he is ready to do with sole ruck responsibilities. He averaged 110 for his last five games of the season, four of those Ryder didn’t play and included scores of 139 with 46 hit outs, 118 and 117 in his final game for the year.

Without Ryder, if the situation arises, returns the trajectory toward 110… Yes, hes that good.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

If Paddy Ryder is fit and firing, you just don’t pick him in Classic and he may slide a spot two on your Draft rankings. The main reason is he averaged 26 points less per game when playing alongside Ryder. I mean you knew it would be a few points but 26? That fair dinkum makes him a bargain if Ryder ever looks like missing an extended period and a huge risk to select as a pinch hitter.

Injury is also a concern to factor in with Marshall. He has never played a full season and has only reached 20 on one occasion. The last two years are a worry, registering 17 and 13 respectively with plantar fascia being his main concern.

Deck of DT Rating.

KING

Marshall is a really interesting prospect and currently 5% of the competition are entertaining it. Playing as a forward and pinch hitting in the ruck, the big guy is averaging between 90-100, so slightly under priced for the year and Ryder won’t play all games at 33 years old so there will be some standout performances. An ear must be kept to the ground on this one though because I’m not joking about 110 territory if he claims the number one ruck mantle and that would make him hugely under-priced and a fun selection.

 

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