THE IMPACT of reduced rotations on the game, the players and their welfare is one of the burning questions entering 2016, but at least one player is itching with excitement.
St Kilda midfielder David Armitage could barely get his words out when asked about the topic on day three of the Saints' pre-season training camp on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Tuesday morning.
Whether he called himself a "flogger", a "slogger" or a "plodder" was hard to tell (he was happy to claim the latter when reporters sought clarity later on) but either way, the 27-year-old was a fan of cutting rotations from 120 to 90.
"I personally think that's a win," Armitage said.
"You won't see the mids rotating and coming off the bench as much, which will be exciting for the game.
"You'll see the Dangerfields and the Fyfes and the Abletts resting forward and it's going to be so exciting for footy and for the fans.
"I think it's a really good move. I'm really excited. I might even be able to get up forward.
"It's going to be more endurance-based, whereas it was trending towards the athletics profile.
"It'll suit me a bit, the plodders, so I'm looking forward to it."
Queensland heat gets the better of Goddard
While his teammates took part in a morning of surf lifesaving activities at Alexandra Headland Surf Club, Armitage was reduced to working on his tan as he overcomes a minor back niggle.
The Queenslander, who had a breakout 2015 season, did a light jog in the morning and said it was "no worries" and he'd be back to full training by Friday.
Armitage said the addition of speed to the Saints' midfield mix would make them more rounded next season.
They added Victorians Jade Gresham, Brandon White and Bailey Rice in the NAB AFL Draft, all of who bring pace as a major asset of their game.
"We've added a bit more speed and some skill on the outside and that's something we've always needed," Armitage said.
"We've got some really good inside mids in Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan and Jack Steven … that are really developing, but to add these guys to come through the midfield (is what we needed).
"You see the best teams and they have those pinch hitters in the midfield that come through half-forward.
"We've got (Jack) Billings and those types. It's very exciting and hopefully this year we'll be a force to be reckoned with."
Oh when the Saints go diving in. Big morning at Alex Surf Club for @stkildafc pic.twitter.com/aRDTQ1mWlx
— Michael Whiting (@AFL_mikewhiting) December 1, 2015