St Kilda’s Brett Ratten has added his voice to a chorus of coaches who are concerned that the length of games is hurting players and the AFL’s spectacle.
Ratten believes there’s a tipping point as games this season return to 20-minute quarters plus time-on, but list sizes and the number of in-game rotations are reduced.
The Saints boss has joined coaching colleagues Ken Hinkley and Chris Fagan with his worries about the injury impact on players and the spectacle of the code.
“With shortened lists, with shortened rotations, we have made the game even longer than it was two years ago,” Ratten said on Sunday night.
“In the VFL yesterday, the Carlton-Brisbane game went for 40 minutes in one quarter – that was nearly half the game last year.
“But that is up to the AFL. We need to make sure we get the best players out to play week-in, week-out.
“That is what it’s about, isn’t it? To make the product, to watch the stars of the game play.
“The game is the hardest game in the world, we want it to continue that way, but there’s a tipping point on how many of the good players are missing out.”
Ratten said clubs could be forced to use their entire lists which, in turn, could alter recruiting philosophies in favour of older, battle-hardened players.
“It could change how we look at the game going forward,” he said.
“That will be for clubs to decide, but for the AFL to work out with some of the high performance areas and the doctors and get some feedback from the clubs.
“We are six rounds in, so let’s have a look at it by rounds 11 and 12.”
Last season, amid a scheduling squeeze because of the coronavirus, games were reduced to quarters of 16 minutes plus time-on.
Port coach Hinkley wants quarters of 18 minutes plus time-on.
“Everyone is starting to talk about it: the length of the game, the reductions in everything, collision injuries that are happening because you’re out there for longer,” Hinkley said on Saturday.
“Maybe there is no solution but … we went back to the longer game this year.
“And I’m not sure, is that right or wrong? I will leave that to the decision-makers.”
Brisbane coach Fagan also backed quarters of 18 minutes plus time-on after his side’s Saturday night win over Carlton lasted 136 minutes.
“It is way too long – it wears the players out,” Fagan said post-match.
“I don’t know the stats but the injury lists at clubs at the moment look big and long and we’re only into round six.”
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
I may be a lone voice in the wilderness but I'd prefer more interchange and another player on the bench. IMHO tired players lead to more stoppages, a slower game, more injuries and more skill errors. I prefer to see the game played at a high skill level than a game full of tired players making skill errors and slowing the game. From a selfish POV I enjoy the longer game time. I like watching more football not less.
Lukey Miller
Guest
I am sure that AFL will soon be played with 18 minute quarters + time-on. Interchanges will be 40-50 per game. The game has become increasingly intense and demanding, while many quarters last well more than 30 minutes. Limited contact GAA has 2 x 35 minute halves and I think soccer and Rugby might be 40 minute halves. It is time to sort this in the interest of the game and, more importantly, the players.
Footyguy
Guest
I think this talk I get it But come off it Footballs been absolutely terrific this year For the fans anyway To watch In 2020 shortened quarters someone getting more than 2 goals was mindblowing In 2020 any score over 60 points was considered mindblowing Please don't shorten the quarters I'd rather there be 24 in a team and a team has a list of 52 players including Heck 54 or 56 players I dont mind So you have your primary list of 36 and have 16 rookies Interesting the latest afl article about the time between ads It used to be 40 seconds and now is 50 seconds Make the ads shorter then Come on we don't want boring bland slugfests like most of football in 2020 Heck I can't remember at time in 2020 where are team scored over a 100 points Having shorter quarters denies a player time in their career Especially an older player The extra time is great for fans When coming to trade or delisting decisions list management calls within clubs having the longer quarters gives us extra information of who can make it and who will need to be delisted Or Have longer quarters and have a 21 round season instead of 23 and have two byes
Peter Georgiades
Guest
I went to the hawks v Adelaide game on Saturday and noticed that the umpires wait for 30 seconds for every centre bounce so when you factor 14 goals in a quarter that is seven minutes of game time . Yes the umpires have to wait for Tv but it seemed to slow the game up more so before which I think is to allow the 666 to be put in place.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Excuse me? You're the one that claims some "evidence" you haven't shown anyway. And my opinion is that drastic change needs to happen, regardless of the "evidence" you claimed. There are thousands of fans (some former) who can barely watch the AFL anymore (if at all!). I started watching this sport over 30 years ago, and it's NOT the same sport anymore, and for me is quite dire.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
"Funny how the anti interchange people absolutely expected it to make a difference as soon as it got capped." l think l found a strawman. I've never subscribed to this notion yet you you imply l have. Strawmann. ------ You don't see the congestion CTE nexus??? ------- You belittle Mum and Dad! The most important job in land. -------- Heck! do l have to chew your food too? Everybody takes WHY as a given!!! -------- You are giving Katz supporter's a bad name.
Cat
Roar Guru
Whatever. I’m done wasting my time on someone who doesn’t wish to reasonably discuss nor debate the issues.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I provided you with my opinion on the decline of this sport over the last 20 years. You're the one that justified some "negative evidence" to back up your position, and keep the garbage status quo, so....?
Cat
Roar Guru
You’ve provided no analysis nor evidence to back up your point of view. It amounts to ‘do this because I said so’. No.
Cat
Roar Guru
Name one straw man argument I have made. You claim to have brought worthwhile talking points. I’ve simply refuted them with logic and facts. You’ve provided no analysis or empirical evidence to back up your point. You’ve tried to deflect by bring in CTE and mommy and daddy. The talking point isn’t why we should reduce stoppages. It is HOW. I simply do not believe your idea will work. I’ve provided reasoning for believing that. You’ve provided nothing.
Micko
Roar Rookie
What evidence of what "negative"?
Baysforever
Guest
Maybe bring in the primary school 'mercy rule' - if one club is ahead by more than 10 goals, end the game!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Fine, you can have the stoppages. ------- On the other hand l have brought worthwhile talking points. Strawmanning my arguments shows a reticence to look objectively at what is a blight on the game. A very big issue coming is CTE. Less congestion means less injuries including head trauma. ------- We are in a battle with NRL. NRL fans point out the messy congestion at the point of 'ball-dispute' in the AFL. Clearing that up will enhance the playing and viewing pleasure. Both codes are grappling with CTE. Insurers and Lawyers will increasingly drive law changes in the games to reduce head trauma. ------- Whichever code implements methods to reduce head trauma ultimately wins the hearts and minds of mothers. Fathers want their kids to play footy, mothers determine which one. ------ My suggestions have merit in regards to the big picture.
Cat
Roar Guru
All things don’t happen just because you think they will either. Funny how the anti interchange people absolutely expected it to make a difference as soon as it got capped. Then it wasn’t capped low enough. Now it needs to be none. Sliding scale much? Data shows congestion getting worse the lower the number gets. Simple logic says tired players will seek to create stoppages to catch their breath. So making players more tired leads to ... you guessed it ... more stoppages.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
Yes, like concussions, it needs some proper analysis with comparable stats.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Not enough. The critical tipping point has not been reached. All things are not linear in dynamic.
Cat
Roar Guru
Backed up by negative evidence.
Micko
Roar Rookie
No interchange at all! THAT is where the problem starts! Just a couple of subs, that's it.
Cat
Roar Guru
We’ve been lowering interchange and it’s accomplished non of this hype
Micko
Roar Rookie
Get the bloody ball moving, not an endless game of stoppages!