Heading into round one it seemed the vast majority of football followers considered doom and gloom to be the order of the day.
The gloom seems to have been associated with the current laws of the game and evolution of game plans – particularly the rolling zone. In essence, the way the game is played.
A mass exodus of fans during games was predicted. Even worse; a mass exodus of support for the game.
Trust me. The game is great. And what round one displayed (thank goodness), contradicted the common view.
Free flowing skillful football, an average of 28 goals per game and no rushed behind decisions. It was a superb way to kick off the season.
As for the immediate future, I believe the key people involved – coaches, players and administrators – will always find a way to better the game and its spectacle. That's their job, and it must continue.
Yes, they may differ slightly on their particular objective, but fundamentally and maybe without even knowing it, they are all pulling in the same direction.
Our game consists of controlled chaos. No matter how much the rules or interpretations alter, that must remain at the core of the game.
Overcoming the new fad, style or efforts to manipulate the rules by various teams should constantly be monitored. It seems most teams are at least endeavoring to implement some type of 18-man rolling zone that premier Hawthorn used with aplomb in 2008. Some, it must be said, are managing this better than others.
The Hawks (in particular Sam Mitchell), say they have just adopted Neil Craig’s plan of getting forwards and midfielders back behind the football quicker than the opposition – and taken it to a new level. Even in professional AFL football, it seems the old school yard blame of ‘They started it’ still exists!
Don’t confuse the message here. Of course we will see some sub-standard footy in 2009. But can you remember when this has not been the case throughout our game’s 151-year history?
I am supremely confident that more often than not this season you’ll see brilliant displays of skill and athleticism.
For the game to evolve and change while maintaining this stunning standard, the aforementioned chaos must remain a constant.
Speaking of change, I bet if you asked Chris Tarrant a few years ago if he would be playing his 200th game in the backline for Fremantle, he would have told you you're mad. But that is most likely going to be the case this Sunday. Talk about a 180 degree back flip!
After playing all but a small handful of his 199 games in attack, Taz’s recent foray into defence has been a success. His remarkable closing speed and ability to play on a variety of different shapes and sizes seems to have given him a new outlook on his football.
It's also given defensive coach Chris Scott (who played on Taz in the 2002 and 2003 Grand Finals) a new player to develop.
Having already spoken with Taz about this week’s milestone, it is fair to say that he is rapt with the fact that he is able to play in this game in front of family and friends back in Melbourne. Here’s hoping for a memorable game for Chris and the team.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
