Max Heath is one of many depth ruckmen who have suddenly had a senior spot open up for them in 2026 after the AFL decided to scrap the substitute rule and add a 23rd player on the bench. Perhaps it is not a permanent thing, but the trend has certainly been for clubs to play two genuine rucks. After Max Gawn started the season in his traditional sole ruck role, it quickly became apparent that, even at his All-Australian level, he didn't have the tank to go with two rucks every week. Thus, Gawn rests forward more and Heath rucks a fair bit. Good for fantasy owners.
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