Former Roo Alex Ishchenko is now the Kangaroos’ permanent ruck coach after helping out on a casual basis since 2010. He will be developing and strengthening the young trio consisting of Todd Goldstein, Majak Daw and Ben Mabon.
“Hamish is obviously a big loss because he was a very experienced player with over 100 games to his name, his football nous was very extensive and we will certainly miss that,” Ishchenko told kangaroos.com.au.
“However, Todd is coming through as a fantastic ruckman and all three boys certainly have huge potential to improve and really step it up this coming year. Each of the boys have come a long way and their development is really noticeable but now is the time to take it to the next level, especially with the two younger guys who will want to fight for an opportunity.”
With the AFL introducing new ruck rules from next season, Ishchenko will modify specific training drills to prepare the players and believes the changes could have benefits for the club’s number one ruckman.
“The new rules are fairly advantageous to Todd because he covers the ground so well as opposed to a ruckman who is a bit slower. The game will be more free-flowing with the quick ball-ups and I think he will relish the changes.
“Even guys like Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant will need to be across the new rules as well and could get involved in a little bit of ruck work over pre-season.”
Training has already been pretty intense for the 1st - 4th year players and Ishchenko took the opportunity to challenge Ben Mabon to a boxing duel.
“Ben was still a bit sore from the return to training so I took full advantage of that and got him while he was down. He struggled a bit to punch above his weight but he’s certainly improving on his size, he’s much bigger now and he’s finally looking like a ruckman.”
Heading to Utah with the group for the very first time, Ishchenko is looking forward to taking the ruckmen through some specialised drills and training at altitude.
“Most of the training time will be spent altogether but there will be a chance to change it up a bit and spend some time focusing on ruck work. They are up there to work together on some intense fitness training but it will also be really valuable to do some specialist work with those guys too.
“I haven’t been to Utah before so I’m sure it will be an adjustment for me but I’m hoping the altitude will do me some good too. I might even drop a few kilos,” Ishchenko joked.
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