Robbie Warnock in action. He faces stiff competition for a spot in the side this season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited
WHEN he gets his hand on the ball, Robbie Warnock makes things happen. The problem is he doesn't make them happen enough.
Warnock, 26, has only played more than 12 games in a season once (20 in 2011) since first playing with Fremantle in 2007.
A career that has promised so much is in danger of delivering little and the 206cm left-footer knows it. And it won't be easy as he enters 2013 in a desperate race for a rucking spot given Matthew Kreuzer and Shaun Hampson are at the club.
Kreuzer, fit and well, will presumably take the number one role leaving Warnock head to head with Hampson, given coach Mick Malthouse is prepared to play two ruckmen if their form and hardness at the contest warrants it.
At 206cm the former Brighton Grammarian is one of the tallest in the game (Aaron Sandilands is number one at 2011cm) but height alone won't put him in front of Kreuzer or Hampson.
"We've all had our time in the sun as number one ruckman at different stages. We haven't all been fit at the same time so it will be interesting to see what they do. If we are all up and playing well then it's out of our hands," said Warnock from Carlton's community camp in Bendigo.
Last year he played just five matches, averaging 32 hit-outs to place him fifth in the competition. But the key to Warnock was his number one ranking on the hit-outs to advantage table.
It's why his midfielders like roving to him, plus Warnock isn't out of the contest once the aerial work has ended judging by his four clearances per game (2nd best of the top 10 hit-out winners).
He also won 74 per cent of his possessions in a contest, second only to the predictable figure of Nic Natainui. But none of the above will guarantee a game under a new coach named Michael Malthouse.
Warnock, who is a clear thinker, wasn't totally sure what to expect when Malthouse arrived although he knew he was a winner.
"I find him a great communicator. He actually keeps things pretty basic and as much as that might sound not smart, I think it is (smart) to a degree. He just doesn't over-complicate it," said Warnock.
"And his record speaks for itself. He took the Bulldogs a long way in the 1980s (3rd in 1985), the Eagles to finals every year (10 seasons) including two premierships from three Grand Finals and then Collingwood from 15th to 9th to a Grand Final.
"He has the runs on the board and is very clear on what he wants.When you speak to him it is obvious he knows what has to be done."
What Malthouse desires at Carlton is for at least two of Warnock, Kreuzer and Hampson to play in the same team, with Levi Casboult a chance to play as a forward who can go into the ruck. Sam Rowe and Luke Mitchell will have the chance to secure a key forward spot which would allow Jarrad Waite to use to his aerobic ability rather than being constantly bashed in pack marking situations.
Warnock knows he is third in the pecking order when it comes to being effective up forward, although he figures if he's rucking well enough it won't matter as much.
"Ruck is my preferred position. You do have to go forward these days the way the game is going but if you are number one ruckman then you will play 70 per cent of the time," he said.
"My season last year was slow to start after double shoulder surgery, then I came back and did my hammy, played a couple then hurt my shoulder again. I knew I was unprepared."
Last season his three year contract with the Blues had finished prompting speculation he could find a third AFL club over summer with up to four teams showing interest. Warnock decided to end speculation by re-signing during the year.
It was an act of faith in a place he believes is going places, claiming expectations this season are "limitless".
"The facilities are great, our playing list is really talented. If things click I really believe we can have some success and I want to be part of it. Our staff, medical, assistant coaches are all very good. We have no limitations on where we can finish," said Warnock.
"But you don't know what can happen so all you can worry about is week to week. When you see blokes play consistently, be injury free, then you will improve. You have to be on the track session after session, you can't do it in the weights room."
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