Callum Sinclair was fourth in line in West Coast’s rucking pecking order when he and Dean Cox were Eagles teammates in 2013 and 2014.

But Cox, West Coast’s games record-holder and one of the most formidable ruckmen of his generation, has showered in praise Sinclair’s impact in red and white ahead of the big man’s 50^th game in Swans colours.

The 200-centimetre giant will notch a half-century of Swans games when Sydney hosts Geelong at the SCG on Thursday night.

While a number of outstanding big men have limited Sinclair’s time in the ruck in his stints at the Eagles and Swans, the Beaumaris junior was dealt another massive challenge ahead of season 2018.

The pre-season retirement of Kurt Tippett and season-ending knee injury of Sam Naismith saw Sinclair bare the brunt of the Swans’ hard-hit rucking department.

Cox joined the Swans as a midfield coach ahead of the season and says Sinclair’s influence cannot be underestimated.

“He’s certainly become a really important player,” Cox said.

“The way he’s been able to at times get on top of the ruck and then against some really experienced players really halve the contest and be predictable for our midfielders has been huge. He’s playing a vital role.

“He always looks forward to facing the best ruckmen – Nic Naitanui and Sam Jacobs are just a couple. The thing with Callum is he always puts in the work to identify what their strengths are, how he can try to nullify them and how he can get an advantage at any time.

“That’s one reason why he’s had a really consistent season – just because of the work he’s put in. That’s not just with looking at their vision but in the way he trains throughout the week so when he gets to a game there’s nothing he’s not ready for.”

Cox, Naitanui and Scott Lycett all enjoyed a bigger bite of the rucking cherry when Sinclair called West Coast home.

He predominantly played as a forward and pinch-hit in the ruck as he floated between West Coast and WAFL club Subiaco.

He banked just nine senior games across 2013 and 2014 but became a more regular fixture in 2015 as the Eagles booked a ticket to the grand final.

Sinclair played 29 games for West Coast before signing with Sydney ahead of season 2016.

While his time in the ruck long struggled to see the light of day, Cox said the towering Swan had always shown promise.

“One thing with Callum is he’s always shown glimpses of being able to really compete in the ruck but he was always more of a forward-ruck,” Cox said.

“For him to be able to now shoulder 80 or 90 per cent of the ruck contest week in and week out – I wasn’t sure how that was going to play out. But he’s done a really good job to be able to deal with that and at times give our midfielders first use.”

Sinclair hasn’t lost his knack in front of goal despite his shift to the ruck.

The Western Australian has booted 10 goals across 14 games this season, the most majors of all primary ruckmen in the competition.

He snared three goals against GWS in Round 3 and again in Round 12 against St Kilda, helping Sydney to victory in both games in enormous returns in the ruck and in front of the sticks.

While he’s faced a number of fierce campaigners in the ruck, including Naitanui, Jacobs, Aaron Sandilands and Todd Goldstein, he’s maintained his impact when resting as a forward or crumbing in congestion.

“What he mightn’t make up for in percentage of hit-out wins he does in other areas,” Cox said.

“One of those is his mobility and his ability to cover the ground and push forward and have shots on goal.

“For him it’s not solely about working forward. He does it at the right time and doesn’t take too many risks and tests his opponent out, which he does really well.

“He kicks really accurately and has kicked some important goals for us. He’s playing his role really well outside the rucking contest as well as in the ruck.”