Hale Aims To Be Top Ruckman

[GreaT SourcE]

Hale aims to be top ruckman

Glenn McFarlane | February 10, 2008 12:00am

DAVID Hale intends to wrest North Melbourne's No. 1 ruck mantle off teammate and friend Hamish McIntosh this season.

Hale outlined his bold plan this week ahead of the club's NAB Cup opener on Friday night against Western Bulldogs in Darwin.

An injury-free pre-season - the first in several years - and a challenge from coach Dean Laidley that the two ruckmen go head-to-head for the role have convinced Hale he can displace McIntosh.

"I'm definitely keen to be the No. 1," he said. "That's the role I have been playing in the pre-season, and going head-to-head with the 'Big H' (McIntosh) is what I want."

The pair are good mates, but Laidley believes the competitive spirit could be best for both, as well as the team, this year.
Hale, 3 1/2 months older than McIntosh but with 36 more matches, knows it is not going to be easy.

"Hamish set a very high bar last season," he said. "It was good to watch him develop as a player. But obviously in the back of your mind, you want to be doing it yourself.

"Hopefully, this rivalry the coach wants us to build up will be beneficial to both of us, and to the team. If I can push him, and he can push me, that's got to be a good thing. I suppose it will be the best man who wins."

Hale battled hamstring problems in the first half of last season, prompting Laidley to opt for McIntosh in the main ruck role.
McIntosh flourished, playing all 25 games, narrowly missing selection in the All-Australian side and laying claim to being one of the most improved players in the competition.

Despite his setbacks, Hale still managed 20 matches, spending more time in the forward line but also playing a key role later in the season when relieving McIntosh in the ruck. He knows he is going to have to be more versatile around the ground this year if he is to prove he is the right man for the job.

"The way the Big H played the role last year with his work around the ground was good to see," Hale said.
"That's the way the ruck role is evolving, covering the whole ground and not just lumbering around the middle. I'm mindful of that."

Hale says he is fit and well heading into the season. Once more, it has been an eventful off-season with the Kangaroos wrestling with staying in Melbourne or relocating to the Gold Coast. Hale was not fussed either way. He loves living in Melbourne, but he is a native of Tweed Heads and still has family on the Gold Coast.

"The club decided to stay in Melbourne and we're all happy that we can concentrate on footy now," he said.

[Borak]

I like the attitude, very impressive.

I personally can't see it happening though, H-Mac is a star and still has a lot of improving to do.

[75779699]

Hale is a hack, that so far imo hasnt lived up to his potential...

As far as im concerned, he was also playing out of position once H-Mac took over the ruck duties. Hale isnt a CHF's azzhole, and im wondering where he fits in at the NMFC...

Look at last Sat night for christ sake... He was up against a couple of ****py ruckmen in King/Blake and still couldnt get the ball to the boys in th midfield. That game was lousy in all areas, but the ruck contests after Qtime is where we blew it...

[OLDFELLA]

Originally Posted by 75779699

Hale is a hack, that so far imo hasnt lived up to his potential...

As far as im concerned, he was also playing out of position once H-Mac took over the ruck duties. Hale isnt a CHF's azzhole, and im wondering where he fits in at the NMFC...

Look at last Sat night for christ sake... He was up against a couple of ****py ruckmen in King/Blake and still couldnt get the ball to the boys in th midfield. That game was lousy in all areas, but the ruck contests after Qtime is where we blew it...

I am glad you blokes have him.