Jets ruck prospect ready for rule changes

The role of the ruckman in the AFL has been a hot topic in recent times.

One reason for this spotlight on the league’s big men has been Tom De Koning headlining stories for months before making his long-awaited move to St. Kilda from Carlton.

Add in discussion around the implementation of a last-touch out-of-bounds rule by new EGM of Football at AFL House Gregg Swann and you have your concoction equating to the chatter about rucks.

The changing environment of rules and the salary cap has caught the watchful eye of young Western Jets ruckman Macauli Buck.

Standing at close to two metres, Buck is one of many hopefuls looking to find their way onto an AFL list heading into the 2026 AFL season.

His judgement on the potential new ruling has him well and truly leaning towards a far greater need for rucks to be on their game compared to season’s gone by.

“People are saying ‘oh, yeah, there'll be less throw-ins, so there's less use for a ruck’, but if the ball is in live play more than it has been in previous seasons, there'll surely be more goals, so there'll be more centre stoppages,” Buck said.

“There'll be more balls up in the middle, so there's probably maybe even more use for rucks in that regard, so, that could definitely be something as well.”

But even with the rule changes yet to be implemented, Buck’s numbers under this current system read strong in the 2025 Coates Talent League.

BUCK'S BEST PERFORMANCES IN THE CTL

Round 6 vs. Northern Territory - Boys

15 disposals, six kicks, nine handballs, five marks, two tackles, 21 hitouts

Round 9 vs. Murray Bushrangers

15 disposals, nine kicks, six handballs, one goal, three marks, two tackles, three free kicks, 25 hitouts

Round 13 vs. Oakleigh Chargers

13 disposals, seven kicks, six handballs, one goal, one mark, three tackles, three free kicks and 26 hitouts

Round 15 vs. Geelong Falcons

20 disposals, 12 kicks, eight handballs, three marks, five tackles, two free kicks, 30 hitouts

Round 16 vs. Murray Bushrangers

17 disposals, nine kicks, eight handballs, three marks, four tackles, two free kicks, 28 hitouts

Round 18 vs. Northern Knights

10 disposals, eight kicks, two handballs, four marks, eight tackles, 36 hitouts

Round 20 vs. Eastern Ranges

12 disposals, 11 kicks, three marks, three tackles, 31 hitouts

Modelling his craft around Luke Jackson and Darcy Cameron has been part of his development during 2025.

Both the Fremantle ruckman and Collingwood ruckman are players he has admired and is hoping he can emulate heading into 2026 and beyond.

“I love the way Luke Jackson plays,” Buck said.

“He goes forward, which I want to do, but I have not had the chance to do so on a regular basis just yet given there has been focus on developing other aspects of my skill set.

“He is definitely someone I look up to and I also love what Darcy Cameron does.

“The way Cameron pushes back into defence and takes those nice, intercept marks, as well as his presence down the line, is so important."

Buck said being an all-round package as a ruckman is definitely one of the standout factors heading into a draft.

However, like any alpha footballer, there is always more room for a couple of more stints down in the forward line to stamp your authority on the scoreboard.

“I am happy wither either (playing forward or back),” Buck explained.

“Back in under 16s, I used to play forward as well as ruck, so, playing that type of role a little more often is something I would love to do.”

“I love kicking goals and celebrating with team mates.”