Trio vie to rise above ruck

NORTH Melbourne must persist with its ruck quandary next season, unable to attract any interest for contracted big men Todd Goldstein, Braydon Preuss and Majak Daw.

Goldstein battled for consistency last year, while rugby league convert Preuss emerged as a viable option after a breakout pre-season.

Daw played only seven games last year, injury and form once again limiting the athletic specimen from making an impact.

But Kangaroos general manager of football Cameron Joyce remains upbeat the com- petition for spots will drive performance.

“We haven’t had any clubs really want to go after any of the boys or certainly had any discussion with us about them,” Joyce said.

“It’s certainly a strength of ours, the quality of the three of them and the competition for spots I think is the key for us.

“I think having those three at the club all vying for the No.1 ruck spot and also a potential forward ruck spot.”

All-Australian Goldstein dominated the competition in 2015 but has fallen off the radar the past two years.

Joyce yesterday confirmed the Kangaroos would consider releasing former captain Andrew Swallow if a suitable trade was forthcoming.

Swallow has indicated a desire to join younger brother, David, at Gold Coast Suns.

“If it’s something that works for both parties, terrific,” Joyce told the AFL website.