"Ruckwork isn't as much of a focus for young big blokes these days because many of them are so athletic that they spend a lot of time in key positions like centre half-forward or full-forward. So by the time they get to an AFL club they don't have much actual experience as ruckmen and they haven't learnt some tricks of the trade you need if you're going to make it," Madden said.
"Whereas big fellas in my era – particularly those like myself who lacked athleticism, coordination and a physique – were specialist ruckmen from the start and we learned how to use our bodies and protect ourselves."