Is it just me or have some of the key forwards in the league really slimmed down over the summer?
I’m not just talking about losing a few centimetres off the waist but down to the point where they are starting to blend in with the midfielders and rovers.
There’s no doubt that this is the way footy is heading and has been over the last decade or so.
The days of the big power full forwards like Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall who never dreamt of leaving their attacking fifty are behind us. We are now graced with forward attacking types who are able to get the ball in the back-pocket and then go and kick a goal on the other end in the same play.
These days, it seems that the concept of key position players is thrown out the window, with everyone on the field now being able to practically play where they please. Each team ultimately has 18 midfielders who are required to run a marathon each game.
Over the past 30 years football has come a long way, for the most part the better. Anyone who says that footy was better ‘back in their day’ are merely kidding themselves. The game is faster, skilful and more professional.
This year, the AFL has implemented a number of changes in the hope of improving the quality of the game, making it more free flowing and enjoyable from a spectator’s perspective.
The rules power brokers have reduced the amount of interchanges from 120 to 90 in the hope that the best players will be able to make more of an impact, hopefully seeing less of that silly process where players run off every time they kick a goal.
Instead, we will be seeing the elite midfielders looking to rest deep in the forward line as opposed to coming off.
This way, they will be able to provide a sense of x-factor for their sides creating a whole heap of excitement whenever the ball goes down into the forward line.
Teams scoring 18-20 goals a match could become quite prevalent this with the likes of Gary Ablett and Nat Fyfe potentially ending up with 30-40 goal seasons.
Fewer interchanges will also see less ‘scrums’ and defensive zones resulting in more one-on -one contests throughout the field of play.
However with everyone now looking to adapt to this new system, would it be ludicrous to suggest that having a strong power forward in the team that remained in the 50 arc could be the answer?
Think about it, if we are to see more one on ones and open play in matches, shouldn’t this mean that there will be more room for key forwards to move about and stamp their presence on the field?
Having a power forward that can take big marks out on the lead or in packs in a competition where everyone has slimmed down will surely only be beneficial to a side.
Why try and diminish the type of player that is there to win matches and is there to do the most important thing in kicking goals.
I am not suggesting that we retreat back to the Dennis Pagan game plan of kick it to Wayne Carey and get out of his way, however I can’t help but wonder why Jack and Nick Riewoldt have slimed down so much?
Teams with power forwards such as Tom Hawkins or Travis Cloke will be allowed more space to present themselves could prove to be the difference in games this year.
If the AFL is looking to encourage more of an open playing field, then surely having a player that is able to take a big contested mark must be on each team priority list.
Fewer rotations will mean a potentially tired midfielder looking to kick it quickly to the main forward, resulting in bigger marks and crumbing goal opportunities for the smaller forwards.
Whether this is the way to go, I am not sure. But perhaps having a traditional full forward when could be the smarter strategy than merely another tall mobile midfielder.
The game will be forever changing and mostly, for the better, but who’s to say that adding a bit of forward strut from back in the day of get it quick to the full forward won’t spice things up a bit?
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