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Bob Dylan sang in the 1960s “the times they are a-changin'”. Who would have thought 50 years later that the song would describe the game we once loved but are now just generally frustrated with: Australian Rules Football.
Remember growing up as a child and having a kick with Dad in the backyard? He would show you the right techniques – in his eyes – and also teach you the fundamentals of how to play the game.
Then you would play junior footy and your coach would enhance your skills and teach you the basics on how to play the game from a tactical standpoint.
These were the foundations to our football developmentl handed down from father to son, coach to player, for decades. This is what the game stood for and the characteristics great players demonstrated a weekly basis. They were clear cut and you knew what you could and what you couldn’t do.
Now have a look at the modern game (I can’t stand that term); you can’t do any of these fundamentals anymore, as you would be giving away a free kick! Look at the list again and tell me I’m wrong.
What was once seen as a way of negating and stopping your opponent is now rewarded as a free pass for them. The game has gone a complete 180-degrees on what it once stood for – making the contest, using every inch of the field to your advantage and doing whatever you could to stop your opponent’s advantage.
Yet the biggest example of how the times are a-changin’ has to do with the dropping the ball/incorrect disposal rule. Where you were once taught ‘pin the arms in a tackle and you will be rewarded’, has now turned into play on. The players, the coaches, the supporters, everyone is confused!
Australian Rules Football used to be simple game to play and to follow. It was also a simple game to teach.
But have a look at the way the game is being policed on the ground. There is a such a fine line between being a smart player or a liability to your team, it is no wonder so many people are disillusioned.
Dylan was right. The times they are a changing and for our beautiful game it isn’t for the better.
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