PORT ADELAIDE ruckman Scott Lycett says he and Pete Ladhams are forcing the coaches to select them both, as the external debate continues over whether the side should play two rucks.

Lycett and Ladhams both contributed strongly in Port’s 71-point win over Adelaide at Noarlunga on Sunday.

Ladhams booted two goals, playing primarily as a forward, but also had 16 disposals, nine marks and nine hit-outs.

Lycett’s numbers were good too – 12 disposals, a game-high 19 hit-outs and two clearances, although he only scored one behind from two shots.

“I think myself and Pete Ladhams have worked quite nicely,” Lycett said on Adelaide radio.

“He worked pretty well in the forward line on the weekend, especially when Charlie Dixon went off at half time.

“He didn’t get outmarked and was making a contest, which is probably the most important thing and he managed to hit the scoreboard a couple of times.

“I probably should have hit the scoreboard a few times as well so I’m excited for the future and us building the chemistry and what it takes to have two rucks in the team.”

Lycett said Ladhams had been extremely strong throughout pre-season both in the middle and up forward and he expected the 23-year-old to have a big year.

And the West Coast premiership player said he felt they worked well in the same line-up.

“I feel like we’re both athletic enough to have an impact on the scoreboard and in the ruck,” Lycett said.

“If one of us was playing in the SANFL, we’d probably both be good enough to be playing AFL so we’re forcing the coaches to pick both of us at the moment.”

Lycett revealed he has a strong relationship with coach Ken Hinkley, who was “awesome to work with”, although it was not always the case.

“In my first year we had a bit of a hiccup towards the end of the year and realised we weren’t communicating as well as we could with each other,” he said.

“We sat down at the end of the year and nutted it out and worked out that we needed to talk to each other better and since then we get along like a house on fire.

“Communication is the key to any relationship. We’re now in on a horse together, we’re both country boys so we’ve built on our relationship and I’m excited to keep it going now.”

As for the 2021 season, Lycett is predicting a strong campaign by wingman Karl Amon, who has added another string to his bow with a move into the centre of late.

He said Amon had worked hard on his contest work over the pre-season and was great to work with.

“He’s unbelievable, he’s very professional and I get along with him quite well,” Lycett explained.

“I’ve been working with him quite closely this pre-season.

“He’s a really good bloke and a really good story, having been in and out of the team when he was younger.

“I couldn’t be prouder so hopefully his form at the moment can translate into the real season and... he’s going to be a massive part of the team.”