SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos believes the tactics employed by Richmond defender Joel Bowden to help his side to victory over Essendon on Saturday would likely have the support of all AFL coaches.

Roos’ side beat Carlton on Sunday but, during his post-match press conference, the respected coach was asked his views on the final stages of the Tigers’ clash at the MCG.

That match sparked heated debate after Bowden iced the clock late in the game by conceding consecutive behinds to the Bombers.

Some branded the tactics unsportsmanlike and not in the spirit of the game, but Roos said the Tigers’ veteran wasn’t exploiting any rule and was simply using his head.

“I thought it was really smart and I’d say every coach… I wouldn’t think any coach would have a problem with that because you’re there to win games of footy,” Roos said.

“I thought it was outstandingly smart.

“I mean he’s a really smart footballer and if I was sitting there as [Richmond coach] Terry Wallace I would’ve been really pleased with the way he [Bowden] handled himself.

“We talk about leadership as a footy club, we talk about handling ourselves under pressure and for a player to be able to think through a situation like that… they’re the rules, I mean, you know he’s not exploiting any rule.

“He’s playing the game and trying to win the game of footy. I thought it was outstanding leadership. I thought it was outstanding footy smarts by Joel Bowden.”

Roos said now Bowden had shown what could be done late in matches to run down the clock, opposition coaches would be more aware.

He said that could lead to opposing players intentionally giving away 50m penalties so the team in possession is further away from goal and not in a position to rush behinds.

“I mean the next one [after the rushed behind] you probably have to go up and say ‘righto, tackle him while he’s got the footy’ [before he has the chance to do it again],” Roos said.

“Because what’ll happen is if one player does it like Joel the next time the coaches will say ‘well this is what you’ve got to do’.

“But in terms of Joel Bowden, I would’ve thought Terry would’ve gone up and given him a pat on the backside and said ‘mate, well done’.”