InAustralian rules football, thefollowers are the players in the following three positions:ruckman,ruck-rover, androver. These three players are known as followers because they have traditionally been used as players that follow the ball all around the ground, as opposed to playing in a set position. In recent years, there has been a decreased emphasis on set positions in Australian football. Followers still cover more ground than any other player on the field.[citation needed]
The ruckman's job is to contest with the opposing ruckman at centre-bounces that take place at the start of each quarter or after each goal, and at stoppages (i.e., boundary throw ins, ball-ups). The ruckman usually uses his height (typically players are over 195 cm tall) to palm/tap the ball down so that a ruck-rover or rover can run onto it.
Notable ruckmen in Australian football over the years include:
Before the 1950s, the role of the ruck-rover was known as thefollower. His role was to assist the ruckman and rover at centre bounces by blocking and shepherding them from opposition players.[3] This position all but disappeared in the 1950s with the success ofRon Barassi, Jr. in a role designated for him by Melbourne coachNorm Smith.[3] The closest equivalent of the follower position in today's game is known as atagger.[3]
The ruck-rover's job is to be directly beneath the flight of the ball when a ruckman taps the ball down, allowing an easy take away, or clearance, from a stoppage. Typically, players are not as tall as the ruckman, typically ranging from 170–190 cm in height.
Notable followers and ruck-rovers in Australian football over the years include:
The rover is a player who lurks around centre bounces and stoppages to receive the ball from a ruck rover and complete a clearance. Rovers are typically the smallest player on the ground.
Notable rovers in Australian football over the years include:
Haydn Bunton, Sr. (Fitzroy,Subiaco andPort Adelaide, 1931–1945),[7] Brownlow Medallist 1931, 1932, 1935; Sandover Medallist 1938, 1939, 1941; Named forward pocket in AFL Team of the Century (1996)
