As the 2025 preseason heats up, we turn our attention to the ruck line, a pivotal position for fantasy coaches to master. Last season, the ruck line became a "set and forget" approach for many. Locking in RowMar and Xerri, ideally as diamonds or plats, was the optimal strategy, allowing players to focus on other areas of their squads.
However, challenges remain. Round 0 and the bye weeks created significant hurdles last year, and these issues will persist into this season. A deep roster of ruck options will be necessary to navigate the year successfully. Let’s break down the contenders and examine who you should prioritize as we rank the best AFL Gameday Squad Rucks for 2025.
The Locks for best AFL Gameday Squad Rucks in 2025
Tristan Xerri – Average: 128
In the final six rounds of 2024, Xerri delivered a low score of 135—a testament to his consistency and dominance. As North Melbourne’s undisputed number one ruck, there’s no one on the list remotely capable of challenging his role. By the end of 2025, he might even outclass the competition league-wide.
Xerri’s game is tailor-made for GDS. He’s highly mobile, racks up tackles, and often kicks more than he handballs, which is a huge plus in this format. At 25, he’s entering his prime and looks set to dominate for years. His diamond card value was criminally low last year at just $30 mid-season. If you’re not already on the Xerri train, now is the time to invest. This is as close to a "set and forget" as it gets.
Why Xerri? He’s locked into a solo ruck role, he’s young, fit, and—crucially—won’t be asked to play forward. Everything about his setup screams fantasy gold.
Rowan Marshall – Average: 136
If Xerri’s six-round low of 135 excites you, consider that Marshall averaged 136 across the entire season in 2024. He dipped below 119 only four times all year. In a hypothetical captains format, Marshall would have been the go-to pick week after week. He’s a two-time defending top-averaging ruck, functioning as an extra midfielder for a St Kilda side desperate for midfield support.
Marshall’s fantasy ceiling is immense, but there’s one catch: Ross Lyon. Few coaches meddle with their fantasy stars as much as Lyon (looking at you Bevo, thank god smith is a cat now), and early preseason reports suggest Marshall has been trialed in a forward role. While this seems counterintuitive given St Kilda’s shallow ruck stocks, Lyon’s history makes it a risk worth considering.
Even with this concern, Marshall remains a lock. Whether you rank him first or second, he’s a must-have for 2025. His reliability and scoring potential make him indispensable.
Daylight
Between the top two and the rest of the AFL Gameday Squad Rucks, there’s a significant gap. Xerri and Marshall should be fixtures in every lineup, leaving little room for debate.
The Competition
Tim English – Average: 116
English’s 2024 season was underwhelming compared to his previous highs, with his average dropping as Sam Darcy encroached on his ruck time. Despite this, English remains a compelling option. At 27, he’s in his prime and boasts a natural fantasy game, excelling around the ground and as a trusted outlet in defense.
The key for English in 2025 will be rediscovering his floor. While he’ll deliver some massive scores, his consistency will determine his value. An uninterrupted preseason might be all he needs to rebound. As a point-of-difference (POD) option, English could be a game-changer in the right matchups.
Max Gawn – Average: 127
At 33, Gawn’s age becomes a factor, but his track record is impossible to ignore. Whenever Gawn shoulders the ruck load solo, he’s a force of nature. The Grundy experiment is behind him, and while Melbourne added Campbell for depth, it’s hard to see anyone cutting significantly into Gawn’s minutes.
The risk with Gawn is his longevity. He’s unlikely to improve his card value, but his scoring remains elite. Look for opportunities to acquire him at a discount mid-season, especially leading into Round 12. While he may not crack the top two, he’s a reliable option with the potential to dominate in spurts.
The Best of the Rest
Beyond the top four, a handful of ruckmen could emerge as valuable contributors. While they’re unlikely to challenge Xerri, Marshall, or Gawn, they’re worth monitoring:
Tom De Koning (TDK): A breakout candidate with potential to elevate his game.
Lloyd Meek: Another player with upside, though consistency remains a question.
Kieren Briggs, Darcy Cameron, and Brodie Grundy: All viable options for bye rounds or as weekly plays in favorable matchups.
Rucks often surprise, so don’t discount the possibility of an unexpected star emerging early in the season.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ruck line is shaping up to be a tale of two tiers. Xerri and Marshall sit comfortably at the top, offering unmatched consistency and scoring potential. English and Gawn provide intriguing alternatives, each with their own set of risks and rewards. Beyond them, a mix of emerging talents and reliable veterans rounds out the pool.
As always, preseason form and early-season trends will be critical. Keep an eye on team structures, injuries, and potential role changes. A well-managed ruck line can be the difference between weekly wins and mid-pack finishes.
Next week, we’ll shift our focus to the forwards and midfielders. Stay tuned, and good luck preparing for the season ahead!
Jump into the action with our code BOBS to get your free packs when joining. Let us known who you think will be best in 2025 and their seasonal average.
Cheers,
The Goal Practitioner
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