2021 Season Review

[TheBloods]

Yes, the last time I remember reading an article about the different speeds of our players, over different distances, was about ten years ago. The results were: Goodes was fastest over 20m, Jetta was fastest at 50m and for the 100 it was Rohan. Surprisingly, bigger guys, who we don't really think of as being that quick, often record the fastest top speed. Their greater muscle mass enables a more powerful burst; but their higher weight, means that they're not able to sustain it.

And I think at that time, Hannebury was the 2km time trial king. Which might be the most relevant distance for Aussie Rules?

Endurance is more important than top speed in todays game . Look at Jmac or Gulden , they keep running , covering ground, working into the right positions. They draw the ball to them and make things happen , thats why Hannebery used to have the ball on a string . Its even more important now days to be a hard runner with the way the game is faster than ever

[Aprilbr]

Speed to make that initial breakaway is still critically important. If its combined with strength then you have a real weapon eg Danger, Stringer, Judd (in his early days). It seems very important at centre breaks with the changed rules. Hopefully, we have a player in Chad who possesses those twin attributes to do some real damage but time will tell.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Yes, the last time I remember reading an article about the different speeds of our players, over different distances, was about ten years ago. The results were: Goodes was fastest over 20m, Jetta was fastest at 50m and for the 100 it was Rohan. Surprisingly, bigger guys, who we don't really think of as being that quick, often record the fastest top speed. Their greater muscle mass enables a more powerful burst; but their higher weight, means that they're not able to sustain it.

And I think at that time, Hannebury was the 2km time trial king. Which might be the most relevant distance for Aussie Rules?

Plugger was the classic example of the mass = power. Given him a 15-20m lane to break into, and he'd kill his defender every time because of his explosive speed.

[The Runner]

The top speeds are single measurements in single matches. The quickest way to move the ball is by kicking it long and, ideally, accurately. To the extent that the Swans moved to becoming a quicker side this year, it was via a structure, mindset, vision and courage to move the ball forward by foot.

Agreed. I would add that I think we have a mix of players with a good change/turn of speed. Top speed doesn't always matter that much.
But the ability to go from 50-75% effortlessly to move out of traffic is significant. Blakey has a great gear change when he takes the game on.
Warner, Gulden, McInerney all seem relatively quick - but I'm regularly impressed by their ability to adjust speed to create space and keep the ball moving.