Many expert AFL analysts, and namely Tom Morris, have argued that outside of the blockbuster games each round, the other five or six matches have decreased in quality over the past ten years and that changes including anti-density laws must be implemented to fix the deterioration of the game.
However debatable that the quality of the game has depreciated over past years is, in reality, the implementation of anti-density laws will make the average home and away match considerably less attractive.
Proposed solutions vary in severity but most centre around a quota of players starting inside the attacking and defensive halves at every stoppage. Subsequently, opening up forward lines and limiting ‘rolling malls’.
In theory, more one-on-ones and higher scoring should create better spectacles, right?
However, the open forward-lines of even ten years ago would be catastrophic to the current game.
As a whole, the players of today are fitter and more skilful than their predecessors. Combined with better tactics and coaching, the game is witnessing far more attacking football than ten years ago. The last six years have seen the six highest yearly totals of inside 50s since the statistic started in 2000.
The anticipation that accompanies a closely fought contest surely outweighs the spectacle of an open, free-flowing 50-point win.
This concoction of decongested forward-lines and high inside 50 numbers will produce more blow-outs and fewer nail-biting finishes. Such an instance is highlighted by the Round 14 match between Collingwood and Carlton. A game that by no means was a ‘blockbuster’ but manifested itself as riveting.
Such a contest would be rendered ‘dull’ with the new anti-density measures.
Collingwood’s command of field position would be impervious to defensive Carlton tactics and would be almost free to pile on points on their less experienced opponents, creating a one-sided and boring contest.
Such rule adjustments will also decay ready-made blockbusters such as the Round 14 clash between Port Adelaide and Melbourne.
The Demons dominated inside 50s and clearances throughout the entire game.
Had Port not been able to clog their defensive 50, Melbourne domination would have shaped an insurmountable lead at half-time.
Instead, Port was able to weather the storm and launch a thrilling and memorable comeback.
Anti-density laws are undoubtedly going to make some games better, but the argument that it will decrease the amount of ‘dud’ games is flawed.
BigAl
Guest
How can players "pace themselves" ? Will they say. . . ok this quarter I'm only going to give 75% ? Will they yell out to a team mate when there there is a hard ball to be got that it's up to him, because you are on your "...pacing break..." ? When an opponent is racing towards goal with nobody in front of him and only them 2 meters behind just slow down to a trot because - they are on their "pacing break"? Joking aside, how do you imagine that a player can "pace" themselves ?
BigAl
Guest
I'm all for trying zones, but I can't see having a set number of players in each 50m arc at every ballup working. How to you control the pace at which players head for their anointed zone ? , what players have to be in the zone ? is it decided at that moment on the field ? It would certainly slowdown the ball up process...etc.
BigAl
Guest
But "clog footy" is not keeping the scores close !
RT
Roar Rookie
You only have to pay the first one.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes Dalgety, WCE for example may well become unbackable flag favourites in 2019 if the forward lines get opened up. Suddenly, the Tom Lynch signing becomes even more important as well.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Thinking about it, the introduction of zones in such a short timeframe does have the potential to throw a spanner in the works for list management for lots of teams and may unduly benefit some lists over others.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
More frees? Yuk. We already have four umpires arguing with each other and getting too involved in the game. The other point is there are probably ten frees in any decent stoppage that could be paid technically. They will be plucking them out of their proverbials.
RT
Roar Rookie
They already have started balling it up faster (since BT made comments during a game). Starting positions can't work outside of centre bounces. Less interchage/ more frees is the answer.
MQ
Guest
Yeh, I agree re quicker ball ups, I reckon that would make an immediate impact - that's why I said it's a big quesion as to how the starting positions would work outside of the start of quarters and goals.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
furphy IMO, players will pace themselves, coaches will pace the team, more than possible there will be less injuries as less close in physical play
RT
Roar Rookie
Aligee, I completely agree on your comment on interchange. I'd be happy with even fewer than 10 as well.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
Ball ups are too slow as it is, throw the ball up quicker, stop having to nominate for rucking duties and allowing numbers to congregate around the ball, pluck a free kick out that may be a bit iffy but will break up packs. Every rule they bring in, means you have effects from it, some will be negative meaning you need more new rules. Strip away the over officiation ( not sure that is a word) and return to basics. Stringently protect players going the ball and come down very very hard on any sort of dangerous tackle - not sure what happened to Roughhead but IMO he should be suspended for his tackle on a GWS player who was out of bounds and not expecting it.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Aligee, lack of rotations lead to tired players, tired players lead to poor skills and soft tissue injuries. I don't agree limiting rotations are the answer. It seems certain that at the very least 6 x 6 x 6 at each centre bounce will come in and perhaps more zone rules for when ball is in play.
MQ
Guest
The term "zones" is a bit of a misnomer. The talk I've heard is about starting positions at ball ups (a very different concept to netball style zones). We already have a ball-up zone in place: four in the square. You'd extend that to have 3 or 4 in the 50m arc either end at each ball up, or something similar. The question mark is whether it occurs only at the start of each quarter and after each goal, or whether you enforce the starting positions for every ball-up. Pretty big question too.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
WAFL colts have what amounts to zones with 2 players from each side made to stay inside the 50m arc. But on the other hand every league plus juniors bar the AFL has unlimited I/C and the extra staff and umpires to control and count limited I/C makes the very idea of changing it unrealistic. I dont want to see zones which will actually add more rules/laws and confuse more people. i am angry unlimited I/C was bought in, in the first place and IMO Kevin Sheedy is pretty well responsible.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
Yes i know they have, but firstly cut right back on I/C numbers to around 10 per quarter, my bet and backed up by professional studies is that the game will open up, ATM we have players recharged at every opportunity to keep constant numbers around the ball. I hark on this because it is obvious to even jack hill the blind miner that the key to opening up games is tire players out, you would see a definite return to positional play.
RT
Roar Rookie
Josh what do you mean re umpiring? On one had you say they over umpire but on the other put away the whistle when they shouldn't. Overall are you still saying there are too many frees? If so, wouldn't you agree that more frees would lead to less congestion? I am also skeptical about reports that zones looked good in trials. An intraclub trial is a perfect recipe for bruise free football, which will have less congestion (even without zones) than a normal home and away game.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It was ONE outlier round Aligee. One round that had some exciting footy. It was not the norm.
RT
Roar Rookie
Aligee coaches will do what it takes to win, so "as long as" won't last. Fact: The AFL has trialled zones, it is even on their website http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-12/exclusive-hawks-afl-in-trial-of-onfield-zones
Aligee
Roar Rookie
No one is talking about zones as long as clubs ( read -coaches) play attacking football, very good games on the weekend with open fast relatively high scoring footy.