The media doomsayers who have criticised the congestion of the game must have had their televisions turned off on Easter Monday as Hawthorn and Geelong put on an enthralling exhibition at the MCG.
Former players have also lent their voice to the debate, with the suggestion the AFL make even more rule changes, along the lines of the ones on trial in the TAC Cup. That is, a restriction on where the last two forwards can roam and/or position themselves on the ground.
Those rules force TAC coaches to ensure there are always two forwards inside the forward-50 arc, and another two must be stationed on the forward side of halfway.
Supposedly, the defenders must also follow, not play in front as most coaches would have them do. This is at times confusing and entirely different from their training.
AFL Victoria is hoping for a two-fold benefit. First, to alleviate congestion around stoppages; and second, to showcase more tall, key-position players in one-on-one contests. From what I have seen of the TAC Cup this year, it has not made much difference.
The congestion around stoppages and even in general play, has evolved in our game naturally via two different sources - fitness and coaching. Players are full-time professional athletes who are fitter than they have ever been and, as a result, their running ability has transformed what is a large playing area into a much smaller one - hence more of the basketball/ soccer style of play we often see.
In earlier eras, footballers had limited fitness and a player capable of repeat efforts, getting to two or three or more contests in a row, was a standout. Now every player is expected to get to as many contests as possible within his direct area. The capping of rotation numbers will only change that late in quarters, as players become fatigued.
No doubt some of the stars of yesteryear were so good because they were naturally much fitter than their opponents. That does not happen any more. Now, players need strategies and tactics to be able to get off their opponent.
Congestion comes from having both wingers and in most cases both half-forwards high up the ground and playing roles in or around any mid-ground stoppage or general play.
As the coaching Intelligence in our game has grown, we know that winning or controlling stoppages and the midfield is a critical element towards scoring and so coaching has evolved to place a higher premium on possession won in these areas.
Therefore, mandating that any amount of forwards must remain inside the forward-50 arc will not change the congestion issue, unless they rule that all six forwards must stay behind the line.
As for the one-on-one contests, they have always been there, and they are still there. All teams have key forwards - it is just that they are now leading in all directions.
Good teams create one-on-one contests for their forwards with quick ball movement and smart, skilled kicks - another way our game has evolved. When there is pressure applied to the ball user, the ball will invariably fall short and the player with the front position will most likely win it.
For every tactic, there is a counter tactic and good coaching staff will continue to invent creative ways to play the game. This is the beauty of our game - it is a 360-degree contact sport, played on the largest playing field in any team sport, for more than two hours, with physical and mental demands on players and coaches.
Fred Flanagan gave us Polly Farmer and his handball prowess, and a new way. Jack Dyer gave us the drop punt and a new way. Ron Barassi gave us the handball-happy Blues, and a new way. Robert Walls gave us the huddle, and a new way. Rodney Eade gave us the flood. Alastair Clarkson gave us the cluster to which Ross Lyon evolved to the press.
It goes on. I am sure there will be good coaches everywhere tinkering within their own game plans and coming up with new and exciting innovations for their teams.
Every season has its share of poor games, as well as the crackers, and this year will be no different.
Time to calm down and let the game unfold of its own accord. There will be plenty of good football to watch, it is just a different game, played by different players. Let it breathe and evolve.
