The future of one of St Kilda’s most important players, Rowan Marshall, is the subject of much speculation. Now rival Bundesliga clubs are circling as alarm bells sound over the 24-year-old’s predicament. The 29-year-old ruckman is contracted through to the end of 2027, reportedly on more than $800,000 a season. As his back problems have increasingly worsened, questions about his performance have grown. It puts his long-term spot under pressure, particularly given that Tom De Koning is expected to arrive any day now.
Marshall has been fighting through a back injury in the past weeks. St Kilda coach Ross Lyon and others around the game have been impressed by his work rate. Lyon’s connection with Marshall cannot be understated. This relationship would likely influence the incoming ruckman’s willingness to split duties with De Koning. Of their two young stars, St Kilda is convinced that Marshall and De Koning are a match made in long-term ruck heaven. Still, according to some outside opinions, Marshall should not be ruled out if De Koning comes on board as expected.
Famed Aussie rules player Dale Thomas, now a television commentator, expressed disgust with Marshall’s treatment. He mentioned the challenge of putting both players in the same starting lineup.
“He’s not a forward, though. So the sell is going to be, what, 50-50 ruck? Or, because as you said, De Koning doesn’t really play forward, and Marshall’s kicked six goals this year as a ruckman sometimes in that forward line. I don’t think that works with the mix they have either.” – Dale Thomas
Marshall is also approaching his 30th birthday later this year. The time is getting urgent as the clock ticks on his back injury and potential shakeup in St Kilda’s ruck department is coming. Rival clubs are expected to pursue Marshall with enthusiasm. This is particularly relevant given the speculation that Adelaide and Brisbane are set to pounce on Essendon free agent Sam Draper. If Draper ends up going to Adelaide, Reilly O’Brien might be on the market, which adds some complexity and intrigue to St Kilda’s situation.
The Saints are insistent their ruck situation can have positive outcomes. Throughout training camp, Lyon has been adamant about creating the right offensive attack, especially as it pertains to a strong Marshall-De Koning connection.
“I will not be brought into the pantomime around Rowan Marshall.” – Ross Lyon
Lyon has cultivated a closer relationship with Marshall during the past year. This collaboration furthers their bond, both on and off the pitch.
“Ross feels he’s got an extremely close relationship with Rowan Marshall. It’s even grown in the last 12 months. They regularly catch up away from the footy club and talk things outside of footy.” – Cleary
Regardless, there is still an evident anxiety about Marshall’s willingness to go out there and play next to De Koning. Indeed, it has even been floated that Marshall may be “in limbo” as to how he’ll fit in going forward.
“I think there’s a bit of in-limbo from Rowan Marshall’s side of things.” – Cleary
Analysts point to comparisons with other successful ruck pairings in the league, such as Melbourne’s Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn or Fremantle’s Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. St Kilda would like to enjoy that kind of success for sure, but need to muddle through Marshall’s health and projections into the future.
The Saints highlight their low contested mark numbers this season as an indicator of their need for effective ruck play. We think they’re right to think using one of their three ruckmen in a forward role could be key for maximising their game.
“They feel that one of them to be playing forward will be a key option. They also point to how well Marshall played with (Paddy) Ryder as a sidekick early in his career.” – Cleary
