bang on. I do wonder if the new ruck rules will mean that young rucks that have been given a four or so year leash to develop, will instead be utilised a bit more at centre bounce due to their athleticism, and in turn whether players like Mac Andrew and Thilthorpe might provide outsized advantages here. Also, I haven't been paying attention, but I assume they are still protecting Adam Goodes's knees and making them run from within the circle? which seems counter to the jumping part.. (note, no slight on Adam Goodes and the stain on the game/country that was his unfortunate burden, just a slight on the AFL for their changes made based on one injury)
Great article. I agree that the administration has engineered a game that they feel is aesthetically appealing in their eyes but is not healthy or as watchable to me as natural games in the past. The umpiring interpretations at various times changes to help engineer closer finishes and to make sure free kick counts end up even makes it feel very artificial. I struggle to watch entire games and am not nearly as invested in the competition now.
Thanks, buddy. Yes, I think you've summed it up well. It's still early enough that this could all be provisional and we might be heading towards something more stable. Coaches are smart and they'll be working on defensive adaptations. But it's a concern.
bang on. I do wonder if the new ruck rules will mean that young rucks that have been given a four or so year leash to develop, will instead be utilised a bit more at centre bounce due to their athleticism, and in turn whether players like Mac Andrew and Thilthorpe might provide outsized advantages here. Also, I haven't been paying attention, but I assume they are still protecting Adam Goodes's knees and making them run from within the circle? which seems counter to the jumping part.. (note, no slight on Adam Goodes and the stain on the game/country that was his unfortunate burden, just a slight on the AFL for their changes made based on one injury)
Great article. I agree that the administration has engineered a game that they feel is aesthetically appealing in their eyes but is not healthy or as watchable to me as natural games in the past. The umpiring interpretations at various times changes to help engineer closer finishes and to make sure free kick counts end up even makes it feel very artificial. I struggle to watch entire games and am not nearly as invested in the competition now.
Thanks, buddy. Yes, I think you've summed it up well. It's still early enough that this could all be provisional and we might be heading towards something more stable. Coaches are smart and they'll be working on defensive adaptations. But it's a concern.