Kane Cornes fed up with AFL’s second ruck ‘epidemic’ during first two rounds in 2025.
Kane Cornes Fed Up with AFL’s Second Ruck ‘Epidemic’ During First Two Rounds.
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The Australian Football League (AFL) has long been a sport that thrives on constant evolution—whether it’s through rule changes, tactics, or player roles. The game’s dynamic nature has always kept fans, analysts, and players alike on their toes. However, one recent development in the AFL has left former Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Cornes frustrated, particularly with what he calls the AFL’s “second ruck epidemic.” During the opening rounds of the 2025 AFL season, the phenomenon of teams utilizing a second ruckman has sparked strong opinions and debate, with Cornes at the forefront of vocal critics.
The second ruck, a player traditionally thought to assist the main ruckman in contesting ball-ups and throw-ins, has now become a tactical norm across many clubs. This shift has sparked conversations about the way the game is being played, with detractors like Cornes pointing out how this new trend may undermine the integrity of the game and stifle the development of other positions. Cornes, known for his candid opinions on the state of the game, has voiced his displeasure not just with the tactic itself but also with the broader implications of the strategy.
But is this trend truly an “epidemic,” as Cornes claims? Does the introduction of a second ruckman represent a necessary tactical shift, or is it a symptom of something deeper in the evolution of AFL’s playing styles? In this analysis, we’ll dive into Cornes’ criticisms, examine the broader strategic landscape in the AFL, and evaluate whether the second ruckman is a fleeting trend or an ongoing shift in the sport’s landscape.
1. The Rationale Behind the Second Ruck Kane Cornes fed
To understand the issue, it’s crucial to first look at the role of the ruckman in AFL. The ruckman is the player primarily responsible for contesting the ball at stoppages, whether they be throw-ins or ball-ups. Traditionally, the ruckman’s job is to tap the ball to advantage for their team, whether it’s a clearance or setting up attacking plays.
In recent years, however, teams have begun using a second ruckman to alleviate the pressure on the primary ruckman. This trend, which gained momentum during the early 2020s, is rooted in a few key tactical developments.
The Rise of the Hybrid Ruckman Kane Cornes fed
With the game’s pace and intensity increasing, teams have increasingly turned to players who can contribute both as a ruckman and in another role, such as a forward or backman. These hybrid ruckmen are not just limited to the traditional duties of a ruckman. Players like Brodie Grundy (Collingwood), Max Gawn (Melbourne), and Tom Hickey (Sydney) have shown that ruckmen can also serve as effective forwards or even defenders when not contesting ball-ups.
As a result, the use of a second ruckman has become a strategic response to the evolution of the ruck role itself. By deploying two ruckmen on the field, teams aim to gain a competitive advantage not only in the ruck contests but also by giving their side flexibility in terms of rotations and tactical options. The second ruckman can provide an added target in attack, contribute to defensive pressure, or even run with opposition players in the middle of the ground.
This added flexibility has made it tempting for many AFL coaches to integrate the second ruck into their team structure, particularly against teams that are known for their strong midfield presence. However, this trend has left critics, including Kane Cornes, questioning whether it is a natural progression or an over-correction that undermines the very fabric of the game.
2. Kane Cornes’ Criticism of the Epidemic Kane Cornes fed
Kane Cornes, a former player who made his name with Port Adelaide, has consistently spoken out about various issues facing the modern AFL game. His frustration with the second ruck phenomenon has grown louder in recent years, especially after the first two rounds of the 2025 season. Cornes argues that the overuse of the second ruckman is not only harming the flow of the game but is also turning AFL into a contest of “big men” rather than a showcase of skills and pace.
A Shift in Focus Kane Cornes fed
Cornes has specifically taken issue with the fact that some teams are starting to field two ruckmen without the necessary justification for doing so. His point is that the primary ruckman should be the focus of stoppages and center-bounces, and the second ruckman’s role should be supplementary. Yet, in many cases, Cornes believes, the second ruckman is simply taking up space, not contributing in a meaningful way to either the contest or the team’s overall structure.
For example, Cornes has pointed out the absurdity of certain teams playing two ruckmen at the same time when the game is increasingly defined by speed, running power, and skill. Rather than leveraging the second ruckman as a strategic advantage, Cornes claims that these players are often a “drag” on the team, reducing the fluidity of ball movement and contributing to the tendency for the game to bog down in stoppages.
The Impact on Smaller Players Kane Cornes fed
Another layer to Cornes’ critique involves how the second ruckman’s prevalence harms the development of smaller, more skilled players. Historically, AFL clubs relied on smaller, more agile players to perform roles such as wingers, half-forwards, and half-backs. But with the proliferation of big-bodied players, often doubling up as ruckmen and forwards, the smaller players are pushed out of the limelight. Cornes feels that the game is becoming more “clunky,” with a reliance on tall, bulky players to fill multiple roles, which limits the impact of lighter, faster players.
Moreover, he believes that the second ruck epidemic is leading to a culture where the more skilled and creative players are overshadowed by players who offer little more than physical presence. This detracts from the excitement and creativity that AFL fans are accustomed to, in favor of a game that is more about muscle and less about finesse.
Tactics Over Innovation Kane Cornes fed
Cornes has also criticized the second ruck phenomenon for its perceived lack of innovation. In his view, coaches and clubs have leaned too heavily on tactical decisions like playing two ruckmen as a means to counteract perceived weaknesses, rather than focusing on more innovative strategies that involve player development and team dynamics.
He’s argued that coaches are becoming overly reliant on the second ruckman as a quick fix for winning clearances or gaining an advantage in the middle. By overloading the midfield with big men, Cornes claims, AFL teams are losing sight of how to develop team-based strategies that value creativity and versatility over brute force.
3. The Case for the Second Ruckman Kane Cornes fed
Despite Cornes’ frustrations, there is a strong argument to be made for the inclusion of the second ruckman in today’s game. For starters, the physical demands of the AFL are at an all-time high. Players are expected to cover vast distances, apply intense pressure, and maintain high levels of endurance throughout matches. This makes it increasingly difficult for a single ruckman to manage all aspects of the role.
The use of two ruckmen allows for better rotations, reducing the risk of fatigue and injury. This, in turn, allows both players to maintain a higher level of intensity throughout the game. Furthermore, with the rise of the hybrid ruckman who can perform multiple roles, a second ruckman can provide valuable flexibility for coaches, especially in critical moments when team structures need to shift quickly.
Additionally, the presence of a second ruckman can provide an advantage at stoppages and contests, particularly against teams that may struggle with height or physicality in the midfield. For teams that rely on contested ball work, deploying a second ruckman provides an extra dimension to their game plan, allowing them to compete more effectively at the stoppages, which are pivotal moments in most AFL matches.
4. Finding a Balance Kane Cornes fed
While Kane Cornes’ concerns are valid in some respects, it’s clear that the second ruckman is unlikely to be abandoned in the AFL anytime soon. The key challenge for clubs moving forward will be finding the right balance between the tactical benefits of having a second ruckman and maintaining the fluidity, speed, and creativity that Cornes champions.
The AFL is a sport that thrives on adaptability, and as new trends emerge, teams will be forced to either embrace or challenge them. Whether the second ruckman is a fleeting tactic or a staple of modern AFL will depend on how coaches choose to implement the strategy, and whether it continues to bring tangible results in the form of team success and, most importantly, engaging football.
Conclusion
Kane Cornes’ frustration with the AFL’s second ruck epidemic sheds light on a much-debated issue in modern Australian football. While the second ruckman is a valid tactical tool for some teams, its growing prevalence has led to concerns about the game’s evolving nature and the impact it may have on smaller players and fluid football. Cornes’ criticisms highlight the need for balance in AFL strategies—finding ways to embrace new tactical trends while staying true to the game’s core principles of skill, speed, and versatility.
Ultimately, the second ruckman is here to stay in some form or another, but whether it continues to dominate the tactical landscape will depend on how well teams can evolve and balance their playing styles in a game that is as much about innovation as it is about tradition.
