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At the 1974 Football World Cup, the world was captivated as Holland unleashed a style of football never seen before.
‘Total Football’ introduced the tactical theory in which any outfield player could take over the role of any other player in a team.
Rather than being confined to play in one position, the system allowed complete flexibility, and importantly, made it difficult for opposition teams to respond defensively.
Fast-forward to the 2014 AFL season and the same theory is now being used by the Sydney Swans, who are starting to redefine the way in which the game is played.
Tactical innovation in the game is nothing new. Over the last few years we’ve seen Collingwood’s manic forward press, Hawthorn’s zoning, Geelong sprinting up the highway, and Sydney’s ‘slingshot’ football.
Systems like these are dissected ad infinitum by the media and opposition, and perhaps at times there is too much emphasis placed upon them – the system is only as good as the cattle you’ve got on the park.
The latest innovation from the Swans is not based on any particular style, but on the players themselves. You see, over the past few years the Swans have been recruiting and developing as many midfielders into their playing group as possible.
While other teams may claim to having as much star quality in their midfield, the sheer weight of numbers in this area shapes how the Swans play their football. And as any coach or player will tell you, it’s in the midfield where games are won and lost.
Sydney’s A-list of Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack, Daniel Hannebery and Jarrad McVeigh is now complemented by Luke Parker, Craig Bird and Ben McGlynn. Throw in Tom Mitchell, Adam Goodes (albeit less these days) and Jake Lloyd and that makes 10 players you will likely see in the guts in any game.
There’s plenty of genuine pace in there to complement the inside grunt, but throw in the added outside run of speedsters Lewis Jetta, Harry Cunningham and Gary Rohan and it’s starting to look scary.
Where it gets really clever is that all of these players will also be seen playing different roles on different parts of the ground throughout the game.
The defensive side of Sydney’s game is well known. Tackling, contested possession and getting numbers behind the ball when needed are cornerstones of the Swans game – in essence, every Swan midfielder plays as a pseudo-defender.
But it’s the ability of the midfielders to play in the forward line that’s the real weapon, especially when they can all cause damage on the scoreboard. The Swans love the focus on Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin, because even if you can hold them – a near impossible task – then any of the midfielders can play as a forward and provide goals.
There used to be talk about the benefits of having one swing player in your team. Adam Hunter, Ben Reid, and Harry Taylor are all lauded for their ability to play as a defender or forward. The Swans now have a bounty of these players in addition to Sam Reid playing the ‘typical’ swing role.
The rapid-fire interchanges and fluidity in the Swans set-up will confuse the most astute opposition coaching group, as match-ups are next to impossible to manufacture or sustain as players constantly shift position. Throw in the gut-running instilled into every Swan, and it’s a potent formula.
Any young player aspiring to break into the first team is also expected to be able to play in any part of the ground. Watch a Swans reserves game and players undertake a variety of roles throughout the game.
The Swans don’t focus on developing specialist wingers, back pockets or crumbing forwards anymore – they develop all-round players who can take a turn in the midfield if or when needed.
Franklin and Tippett are really are just the icing on the cake. Death by a thousand midfielders may be the catch-cry for this team.
Holland didn’t win the 1974 World Cup, losing the final to the hosts West Germany. Similarly, there are no guarantees for the Swans in 2014, but injuries are less likely to derail their season as they did in 2013. There is plenty of midfield cover should anyone become unavailable.
Total Australian Football may be coming to a stadium near you.
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