There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and the inevitable annual outcry that the game of AFL is being ruined.
The primary, though not exclusive, focus this year has been on the ‘rolling maul’, which many commentators have decreed is spoiling the game to such an extent that it is no longer ‘real’ Aussie rules.
In fact some people have been proclaiming its not even an ‘indigenous’ game anymore but is rather some hideous rugby and soccer hybrid. I have one word for this argument.
Nonsense.
Go back 12 months, and the repetitious uproar was that the umpires were ruining the game of footy. Let the game flow by stopping the ‘tiggy-taggy’ free kicks was the cry from the masses.
Well, be careful what you wish for because that’s exactly what happened. The umpires, in a bid to create continuous play, are now far more reluctant to stop the game when the ball has any chance whatsoever of moving.
As every team places great importance on winning contested possession and the tackle count, this further adds to the congestion around the ball when it’s in dispute.
The ‘rolling maul’ is therefore a classic case of an unintended consequence arising from an action, in this case a demand the umpires put the whistle away.
But one thing is certain – coaches will eventually devise a new game plan that eliminates it, or there’ll be rule tweaks to reduce the number of times it happens. Until then it would be far more interesting to hear some serious tactical analysis and comment on its temporary place in the game, and remembering it’s just one component of AFL rather than proclaiming the game is dead because of it.
Another particular grievance of some, including Kevin Bartlett, is the interchange rule. He believes the rule is contributing to the game losing its identity. Kevin thinks it should be scrapped and that the game would improve as a spectacle with 18 players slogging it out to the death.
This means a move back to pre-1978 rules, before the interchange bench was introduced. How he comes to the conclusion that watching two exhausted players fight for a ball is more attractive is beyond me, as is his assertion that no interchange bench would free up space on the ground during the game.
When I last looked 18 exhausted players took up the same amount of space as 18 fresh players, but perhaps I’m missing something.
However it does seem that complaints about the game have gone up a few decibels this year, and the ‘game was better in my day’ brigade have been out in full force. Perhaps it’s just the ever-increasing AFL media overload ensuring more and more commentators and ex-players are desperately trying to be heard.
Perhaps there are some aspects of footy from years ago that people do genuinely and understandably miss. Perhaps people just like to whine. But nostalgia invariably forgets the bad things about the past, and in the case of footy there were plenty of those.
Appalling footy grounds with little or no amenities, mud baths for playing surfaces, urinating in public, beer cans thrown, and healthy doses of overt racism and sexism were just some of the things to look forward to on a Saturday afternoon. And guess what, there was always bad games, boring games, defensive football, terrible teams, low scoring games and blowouts.
And there always will be, it’s the nature of a competitive league.
Right now the game has never been in better shape or looked better, and there’s a multitude of reasons why. The AFL administration itself has done a magnificent job in protecting, expanding and promoting the game at all levels right down to grass roots and junior footy. Just think how utterly brilliant Auskick is.
There has been some perhaps justified criticism with the Essendon saga, but they’ve given us a world-class national competition that’s something to be proud of.
At a club level Hawthorn, Sydney, and Collingwood (to name but three) have quite brilliant successful administrative structures that would be the envy of many corporate entities. On the field we have the privilege of watching some of the finest athletes in world sport. I marvel at the magic of Gary Ablett, the brute force of Joel Selwood, the freak goals from Buddy Franklin, the craft of Scott Pendlebury and the youthful and exciting exuberance of GWS, Port and the Suns.
In the comfort of some fantastic stadiums, we can watch a breathtaking contest that produces big marks, gut running, exhilarating goals, brilliant handball skills and tackling that has never been better or indeed harder.
And I love the fact that AFL players show unbelievable courage to get up and play through pain, unlike soccer players who act as if they’ve been shot by a rogue sniper in the crowd each time an opponent breathes on them.
As a Pommie who’s lived in Australia for 25 years, it’s always a nigh on impossible challenge to try to explain to my mates back home how AFL is the greatest game in the world. But I truly believe it is, and I refuse to let the latest tactical developments (good or bad) cloud that view.
The game will continue to evolve, and it’s never been better shape. We are lucky to have it and should savour it, appreciate it and stop the moaning.
Mick Ash
Roar Rookie
Nope-I don't mind them either. Just one small component of the game and I'm interested how each team sets up during, and after the 'maul' (we really should think of a better word as opposed to stealing something from union). Watching how quickly the Swans spread after the ball is released is great to watch, and it's obviously coached at training.
Mark
Guest
Am I the only person that doesn't mind the rolling mauls?
Mikey
Guest
Absolutely spot-on. That sort of rubbish can tarnish an otherwise great game. I'm a late convert to soccer. AFL is my first love. Always will be. But the world game has grown on me to the point where I can actually enjoy a 0-0 draw ( only on occasion )! You've seen some incredible stuff. Very impressive. Your article is on the money though. Watching classic games from the 80's backwards is fun, but not a patch on the AFL of today. I don't bemoan what the game has become. I've been watching it for over 5 decades and I have to say it's never been better!
BigAl
Guest
I think reducing the no. of players on the field to 16 is an eminently sensible idea - after all, it's been done before. I would think it would go along way to solving the ...no. of players around the ball problem, and reduce costs.
kenno
Guest
...great call Mick as a ex player and now 70 I just marvel of the modern player but still wish the stab pass. torps and oranges at last change could make a comeback !
Mick Ash
Roar Rookie
Fair point - and sincere apologies! FWIW - I love football - played it for over 40 years, followed my team all over the UK for 25 years, flown back to the UK on many occasions for the weekend just to watch my team, been to World Cups etc - truly love it. But - the one thing about the game that makes me shake my head is the playing for free kicks, over-reacting to the slightest of touches, backchat to the ref's. I know all players aren't guilty, but its part of the game. Unlike AFL where its not accepted (or never will be) by either the players or supporters...
Cat
Roar Guru
Assumption is the mother of all f*** ups ...
ron brennan
Guest
wow, this is a breath of fresh air compared to the comments over on the rugby league section, I'm a fan of most sports, but league seems to be losing support, and as soon as you mention that, the claws come out, and the Melbourne storm haters are unbelievable.
Grssroots
Guest
Ever heard of the correlation between Age and Wisdom youngfella? The thing they have going for them is that they may have seen a few more games and indeed played a few more games than a lot of youngsters. None of them was making these claims 5 years ago. Under your rationale they were old then as well. That is when the real abuse of interchange started. I suggest you have a look at a few games from the early 2000's and compare them to the current congested rubbish. You may be surprised. History is a great teacher if you care to look.
Cat
Roar Guru
There is also something else about all you named ... they are are old. Nothing wrong with that however its quite common for old people to lament about days gone by. The game is passing those people by and they can't let it go.
Mikey
Guest
Great article Mick. Couldn't agree more. But why the swipe at soccer? Why take a crack at another sport in the middle of an article espousing the virtues of our game? I happen to enjoy soccer in the AFL off-season, particularly the EPL. Have I got it wrong?
Momentbymoment
Guest
Growing up in Sydney, AFL was considered aerial ping pong and was treated with disdain. We all looked up briefly when the circus came to town (who can resist a pink helicopter) but otherwise ignored it. However - once Paul Roos took the reins and the Swans got serious, it was hard to ignore. The passion and the skill is unbelievable and I love the fact that out players cannot get poached overseas. Best game on the planet in my humble opinion.
Grssroots
Guest
Bartlett, Matthews,Healey ,Malthouse, Sheedy are not lightweights when it comes to knowledge of the game. They all abhor the rolling maul and the way the game is being played. This congestion is only aerobically possible because of the non intended overuse of Interchange. It will only be reduced when this is controlled further. None are advocating the abolition of interchange or the ridiculous concept of a 16 a side game. Cap interchange to a total of 80 and play the free kicks for incorrect disposal that aren't being paid and the game will open up immediately for the betterment of all body types. If left to "evolve" then you will end up with a game played exclusively by 190cm midfielders. That game will be called the END game.
Mick Ash
Roar Rookie
One thing is certain - if the game ever did change to 16 players, there would be a raft of the 'unintended consequences' I refer to in the article. There would be another set of new problems, which would invariably bring the complaints about the game to a whole new level. I think the game is brilliant as it is and its still 'our' game. I'm all for tweaking rules at times - play on from a point, throw the ball up at stoppages were two fantastic innovations that made the game better without impacting its identity. But 16 a side - not for me. Cheers Mick
Mick Ash
Roar Rookie
Thanks Michael - appreciated. You're right, the game is different (and far better for it) but its still our game - this rubbish about it not being an indigenous game anymore just beggars belief, and what's more surprising is its coming from the mouths of many whom I respect. This week, of all people, I heard Gerard Healy bemoaning the fact; its like everyone is losing a grip on reality and that's what drove me to write the article. Re the death of the old fashioned big power forward, I'm sometimes bemused by the adulation for guys who stood in the goal square for four quarters and kicking 6 goals. I find it more fascinating to watch a key forward apply incredible defensive pressure, shake a hard tag, run up the ground and contribute to the game in many ways - but as you rightly say, its a generational thing!
Redb
Roar Guru
I think we see a lot of games now some good, some bad. . Although the AFL should not have changed the holding the ball rule. The speed of disposal is brilliant by hand or foot. The game will evolve but I can't help thinking reducing the number of players on the field is timely. Players fitness & endurance is outstanding. What about 16 players & drop the wings?
Michael huston
Guest
I could be wrong, but I don't think I've ever agreed with an article more than I have with this. Terrific summary of our game and it's current state Mick. I think it's a case of generational perspective. The AFL was first broadcasted to larger national audiences in the 1950s and 1960s. To many, it was an introduction to aussie rules, so the change is difficult to comprehend and appreciate. But change has always been a constant in our game. The glamour era of the full forwards? Gone. The dark days when you could basically behave violently on field? Gone. Instead, we now have all the qualities Mick has mentioned. And guess what? In fifty years, the game will probably be different yet again. I grew up just after the days of Ablett, Lockett, Dunstall etc. and way after the Ian Stewart, Bob Skilton etc days. But as a true die-hard footy fan, I wanted to embrace everything about footy. I watched all the archival videos from way way back and got to see all those legends at their best. It was different, but it gave me a greater appreciation for the current game. How much tougher and faster it can be. To the critics of the game, I say enjoy the game, whether it be from relentless defensive pressure, brilliantly magical skills, blistering offensive movement, or just sheer toughness getting under the packs and winning the ball.
Jason K
Guest
Great article and great defense of what really is the greatest ball sport on earth. I would point out that the Roar is one of the Chicken Little parties. I don't know how many "football is ruined forever" articles I've read on this site. I grew up in Australia, move to the U.S. and lived without footy for 20 years. Now, thanks to the internet, I can watch all the games live or in replay on AFL Global Pass. Since coming back to the sport, all I see is that it is hugely improved and way more fun to watch than it was in the early 90s, when I left off. This sport keeps getting better! It will have its troubles, but let's be positive. The general trend of things in the AFL over the decades is improvement, so maybe we can all stop complaining so much.