Lloyd Meek has been carrying the Hawthorn ruck at times over the past month of senior action with Ned Reeves in the injury room. He is a prime example of a ruckman who likes to tap down to his own feet to advantage coalface specialists like Jai Newcombe and Will Day. This was exploited by Max Gawn a few weeks ago through the tactic of bashing the ball clear of stoppages to the outside, with devastating results. Meek also is less dangerous at centre contests than the high-leaping Mabior Chol. Despite his limits, he does get forward for goals at key times.
Lloyd Meek has been carrying the Hawthorn ruck at times over the past month of senior action with Ned Reeves in the injury room. He is a prime example of a ruckman who likes to tap down to his own feet to advantage coalface specialists like Jai Newcombe and Will Day. This was exploited by Max Gawn a few weeks ago through the tactic of bashing the ball clear of stoppages to the outside, with devastating results. Meek also is less dangerous at centre contests than the high-leaping Mabior Chol. Despite his limits, he does get forward for goals at key times.
Lloyd Meek put up another fantasy ton last week in the loss away to Adelaide, and helped his side to a +9 clearance win for the game despite losing on the scoreboard. He retains his lead ruck spot despite strong competition from Ned Reeves in the VFL, who is a cut above that level and really should be playing seniors somewhere. He can put up very startable numbers in games with a lot of stoppages, winning 44 of a total 93 hit outs on offer against the Crows, but in matches where transition is more in play he can get lost as his work around the ground is just average.
Meek is not blessed
Struggles with form and fitness which eventually saw his season cut short by a persistent foot injury led to a difficult second season for ruckman Lloyd Meek. A contract renewal in October displayed the faith shown in the youngster, following averages of 13 touches and 21 hit outs in the WAFL. Meek will continue adding to his craft at WAFL level, with Sean Darcy expected to receive first opportunity at the coveted ruck mantle. He has overcome fitness concerns, starting day one of preseason. Unworthy of serious interest come draft day.
Meek inherits the Thunder
Young ruckman Lloyd Meek has been steadily working on his performance for Peel, averaging 24 hit outs in the firsts and an impressive 45 in Peel’s reserves in 2018. The Victorian native is a good size for a ruck and will benefit from another preseason under his best. Meek won’t be a regular feature in the Dockers’ ruck division in 2019, but is certainly a good chance to debut. Ross Lyon will need to closely manage veteran big man Aaron Sandilands, and if Sean Darcy is unavailable for whatever reason, then Meek might get his shot. With that in mind, he shouldn’t be anywhere near a spot in fantasy coaches’ lineups.
Meek inherently worthy
Overlooked in the previous draft, Lloyd Meek spent another year in the TAC Cup to average 23 hit outs and 14 disposals, enough to get him picked late. The Dockers are not in urgent need of a ruckman with Sean Darcy ready for action, so Meek is highly likely to begin his listed career in the WAFL.
