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2025 AFL Ruck Rankings: Who’s #1 So Far? Gawn, Xerri, Jackson & More | Ahead of the Game

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Wed 18 Jun 2025 10:12

Jeremy Darke 18 Jun 2025

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Ahead of the Game's Ryan & Jez rank AFL ruckman
What does it take to be the best ruckman in the AFL?
Who is the best ruckman in the AFL?

Ryan & Jez chat the best ruckman in the AFL.

2025 AFL Ruck Rankings: The Big Men Taking Over the Competition

Big, bold, and right in the middle of the action, the AFL's best ruckmen are finally getting their flowers. In 2025, it's no longer just about midfielders and key forwards.

2025 AFL Ruck Rankings: The Big Men Taking Over the Competition
Who Made the Cut?
Why Ruckmen Matter in 2025
Some top-tier takeaways:
How We Use These Rankings
Ryan's Rankings 1-17 of AFL Ruckmen in 2025

Who Made the Cut?

In this mid-season deep dive from Ahead of the Game Sports Chat, Ryan and Jez ranked one ruckman from each team and sorted them into three tiers: the bottom eight, mid-tier five to ten, and the elite top five. Their rankings consider not only stats like hit-outs to advantage, time on ground, and goal involvement, but also the eye test, who’s really influencing games?

Why Ruckmen Matter in 2025

The role of the ruckman has shifted. It's no longer enough to just win tap-outs. Today's rucks are defensive anchors, clearance beasts, and attacking links. That’s why players like Max Gawn and Luke Jackson are so valuable — they influence multiple phases of the game.

Statistically, the boys considered
Coaches votes
Player ratings
Ruck win % and hit-outs to advantage
Goal contributions and intercept marks
Inside 50s, contested possessions, pressure acts, and more

Some top-tier takeaways:

Tristan Xerri leads the way with elite numbers in clearances and hit-outs to advantage, despite North Melbourne's struggles.

Max Gawn remains the heart of Melbourne’s midfield dominance.

Luke Jackson proves the modern ruck is more than just a big body.

Jarrod Witts and Lloyd Meek round out the top five, thanks to their direct impact on team structure and success.

How We Use These Rankings

Every week here at bets.com.au, we publish in-depth previews for every AFL game. These ruck matchups are a key part of our analysis — especially when injury or form swings the balance. Matchups like Jackson vs. English or Gawn vs. Witts can be game-deciders and bet-influencers.

So who’s truly elite, and who’s riding reputation? The data doesn't lie, but the debate will rage on — especially with the finals still months away.

Whether you agree with Jez and Ryan’s rankings or not, one thing’s clear: ruckmen are no longer just role players. In a league where every possession counts, the big men might just decide the flag.