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I watched a few games this weekend and it struck me that the rule changes and interpretations have had a massive effect on the style of play.
1. Players constantly being given the hurry up and told to play on. The chip kicking tactic we have used so well to slow down the game and break up opposition defence is not going to work. [Noteably on Channel 10, Lloyd was often given more time to kick that the shot clock was showing.]
2. Scores this year will be much much higher because of charity free kicks and the speed that the ball will be rebounding and entering the forward 50. Leading forwards will benefit hugely. The umpiring last was embarrasing but the number of free kicks against us is unfortuantely, sympomatic of a deeper issue. Our heavy tackling, close checking style is definitely under threat. Possibly good news for Bazza but not convinced he'll get the same treatment as Sir Matthew Lloyd. The ball will be getting into the forward line faster which means less opportunity to flood.
3. Slower and less fit players should think about an alternative career. I was staggered at how absoluted rooted the players looked in the WC vs StK, Dogs vs Tiges and Swans vs Ess games. Blowing hard and looking exhausted at half time! I would like to compare the average distance run last year to the average for this first round. Also seems to be more time spent running at full pace. For example, I think a guy like J. Moore could be up against it. Could be a renaissance for Spriggs if he can learn to kick.
We'll see how things go when the weather turns foul, the grounds become sodden, and players body's start to feel the pain. Might only last for 3 rounds.
I am not convinced this new 'rapido footy' is an improvement - The beauty of the '05 Grand Final was the changing tempo and pace of the game and the intensity and closeness of the contest. There are going to be some cricket scores this year.
1. Players constantly being given the hurry up and told to play on. The chip kicking tactic we have used so well to slow down the game and break up opposition defence is not going to work. [Noteably on Channel 10, Lloyd was often given more time to kick that the shot clock was showing.]
2. Scores this year will be much much higher because of charity free kicks and the speed that the ball will be rebounding and entering the forward 50. Leading forwards will benefit hugely. The umpiring last was embarrasing but the number of free kicks against us is unfortuantely, sympomatic of a deeper issue. Our heavy tackling, close checking style is definitely under threat. Possibly good news for Bazza but not convinced he'll get the same treatment as Sir Matthew Lloyd. The ball will be getting into the forward line faster which means less opportunity to flood.
3. Slower and less fit players should think about an alternative career. I was staggered at how absoluted rooted the players looked in the WC vs StK, Dogs vs Tiges and Swans vs Ess games. Blowing hard and looking exhausted at half time! I would like to compare the average distance run last year to the average for this first round. Also seems to be more time spent running at full pace. For example, I think a guy like J. Moore could be up against it. Could be a renaissance for Spriggs if he can learn to kick.
We'll see how things go when the weather turns foul, the grounds become sodden, and players body's start to feel the pain. Might only last for 3 rounds.
I am not convinced this new 'rapido footy' is an improvement - The beauty of the '05 Grand Final was the changing tempo and pace of the game and the intensity and closeness of the contest. There are going to be some cricket scores this year.
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