The sling tackle is the popular debate topic of the AFL community at present. The crux of the argument seems to be what to do about the sling tackle, but does this issue need a solution?
In case you missed the story, Jack Trengove made a sling tackle on Western Bulldogs player Callum Ward last Friday. The umpire payed a free kick to Trengove for holding the ball and the game went on without any injury to Ward.
On 3AW Football Saturday, AFL umpire boss Jeff Gieschen confirmed that the free kick paid was correct but warned Trengove that the incident would be reviewed the MRP (Match Review Panel). The MRP eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing despite Trengove having form in the 2011 season.
Tuesday saw AFL champion and rule maker Kevin Bartlett call for yet another rule change and said the current commitment to player welfare was in “tatters”. This is despite many rule changes being made in the last ten years to guard against head injuries.
What really annoys me is all this talk of rule changes in regards to the sling tackle is coming from people who are outside the playing/coaching arena.
People like Bartlett are taking pot shots and making calls on this issue when many players and coaches are in the opposite corner.
Cameron Ling called the tackle “fantastic” on TV and many other players and coaches have expressed support for Trengove.
And if I were to take a straw poll of the fans (who the AFL claim to listen to) out on Swanston Street, nine out of ten would call the tackle Trengove made a good one.
What this debate boils down to is whether the AFL is going to make another rule change.
Already so heavy on regulation it would make a government department seem easy; another rule like this surely is just overkill.
More players are injured in contests with knees than the sling tackle. Apart from Patrick Dangerfield (whose tackle was the most severe), all other players have played on and not missed any matches.
The game of Australian Football is in danger of being a victim of overregulation.
Aussie No Rules is being replaced with Aussie Too Many Rules. The sling tackle is the perfect tackle and outlawing it will only create more confusion on what you can and cannot do.
Too many regulations make something confusing, and that is what AFL will become if it hasn’t already.
Republican
Guest
Uncle Bob Agreed. Do we as it's real custodians have any say whatsoever in the evolution of our great game? Now with all the talk of employing dubious sporting engineers from around the globe to give advice as to what they like and what they might change to take it to the world, what hope is there of we the humble punter, having any influence whatsoever on the direction our code is taking anymore? The unmitigated compromising of footies cultural and historical value is already past the point of being simply a curious development, so endemic is the reverse cringe of global advocates within the AFL rank and file. They need to be taken to task before it's too late. We seem disempowered in many respects to make any sort of impact in owning our game, so i suggest those of you who like me, disapprove of the manner in which the AFL seemingly hold us in such contempt, boycott future support especially in respect of any tele viewing and instead support the second and third tiers that remain the heart and sole of the game; i.e your local state leagues, in sending a strong message to these overly zealous vandals.
Uncle Bob
Guest
They can get rid of more injuries again by doing away with the running bit. Wouldn't surprise me if that was next to be looked at. Just make it a walking game.
Seano
Guest
There are so many injurys now because it's so fast, has any one ever thought that since they banned the bump players don't have bruises so can run faster for longer? Every action has an equal or opposite reaction........ -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ManInBlack
Guest
Yes, it is in danger. But, just as running a red light can be a minor offence or can have tragic consequences - and so, the punishment is based on the outcome, effectively working backwards from there - just as that is done, so too the sling tackle and other 'rough' contact is so often punished based on the injury outcome. That's the MRP and that's after the game is done and dusted. What's troubling is the capacity for umpires to get it right at the speed of the game as is. It's not easy.
Uncle Bob
Guest
The plot started being lost somewhere in the 1980s. Certain people get positions of influence and they have to be seen to be putting 'their mark' on the game. Not because it is actually needed. Do they need to completely change soccer, cricket, golf etc.. Funny thing is, people here always say our game is the best, blah blah blah. But now they are trying to morph it into these other games more and more. It saddens me.