Adelaide ruck coach Matthew Clarke will explore all options to help Reilly O’Brien in 2020, including having Taylor Walker chip in.

The 30-year-old assisted in the ruck during the final pre-season match after coach Matthew Nicks opted not to select a dedicated backup.

“Tex came in and had a go when we played the last preseason match without a traditional second ruck,” Clarke said.

“He’s obviously got a strong body, but when the ball hits the ground his capacity is really high as well.

“All clubs will be mixing and matching that a little bit.”

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Adelaide signed Billy Frampton from Port Adelaide during the off-season and have Kieran Strachan and Elliott Himmelberg waiting.

The AFL has shortened quarters in 2020 to 16 minutes plus time on, leading some pundits to question the need for a second ruck.

“It will be interesting to see if teams with a solitary ruck due to shortened game times,” Clarke said.

“We’ll have that decision to make as well.

“If you’ve only got one (ruck), you might look at how you carve up the field (differently).”

Clarke will fill the boots of Ben Hart as forwards coach for the next four weeks and work with Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch to manage training.

“Ben has left them in outstanding shape,” Clarke said.

“Nicksy has clarity around what he’s looking for, and what I heard back from the players was exactly what the coach wanted.”