In recent weeks we have been bemoaning the death of the tackle as we know it. The Trengove ban and now those given Mumford and Koschitzke have apparently changed the way the game is played forever.
The purpose of a tackle from the player’s point of view is to stop a disposal occurring. If the player is anywhere on their defensive side of the centre circle it is almost always to stop an inside-50 and therefore a scoring opportunity.
The dilemma facing all AFL players now is how to tackle to stop a disposal but not incidentally hurt the opposition player and get banned.
The push in the back rule is interpreted so that when you are tackling a player if you push them forward they will most likely receive a free kick.
Players are instructed to swing the player around and to the ground as the most effective way to tackle within the rules.
If the interpretation of the rules could be changed to allow the tackling player to ‘fold’ the player with the ball – that is, pushing them forwards – the tackle could remain and be safer for the player being tackled.
The upshot is that if the AFL still want the players to be able to tackle and the head be protected then you need to allow players a method of doing it that is safe and effective.
Changing the push in the back interpretation might be one way of doing that.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Really interesting perspective, one I hadn't thought of, but certainly an idea that has merit. In recent years we have moved to define the "in the back" rule with greater clarity such that the moment the ump sees hands in the back in a marking contest, you're gone. In the tackling process, especially where man and ball are wrapped up, one could argue that an entirely different set of mechanics is at play and that it should be interpreted differently to getting hands in the back of the opponent, or bumping a player in the back with force. The only contrary view I would express is that it's not just the forceful slinging action that is causing this run of concussions, it's that coupled with both arms being pinned such that the end result is that the player is going to hit his head on the ground with some force and witih nothing to break the fall. That danger can still exist if a player is cannoning the pinned bloke from behind straight into the ground - especially if a 120kg ruckman has just got hold of a little rover in a stoppage situation.