In a survey commissioned exclusively for afl.com.au and prepared under the auspices of the AFL Coaches Association, they forecast a game heading down the Hawthorn premiership-winning track, with precise kicking and rolling zones ruling the roost.
In a separate question, coaches were split over how much emphasis they placed on making the game attractive for fans, with half the respondents believing their overriding aim as coach is to win for their club.
Coaches were first asked the question: 'Where do you see the game headed from a tactical perspective?'
"The game in 2009, in a tactical sense, will be all about the ‘rolling zone’," one coach said.
"Most, if not all, will employ these tactics, which also encourages and enables teams to flood more easily.
"This tactic decreases the number of inside 50s dramatically, consequently limiting scoring opportunities.
"As we [coaches] instruct our players not to give up possession unnecessarily there will be more 'keepings off ' than ever, more sideways chipping of the ball and obviously more ugly football."
Another coach suggested other sports would set the agenda. "Look at trends in other invasion field sports played internationally – that's where your answer lies," he said.
The rest of the responses were shorter but pointed down the same path: "zone defences," said one; "zoning defences, less insides 50s, more turnovers," said another; and simply "rolling zones" from another.
In a follow-up question, coaches were asked: 'What importance do you place on the aesthetics of the game as opposed to winning for your club?'. The question received a mixed response, with many accepting that a coach had an obligation to the game but saying winning was their primary objective.
This attitude was best summed up by one reply: "As coach, your main aim is to win games.
"This is not only for supporters, the board and players, but also your own sanity and longevity.
"Having said that, I believe we have an obligation to help/assist/advise with how the game is played.
"It is paramount that we are able to sell the exciting qualities of our game and be able to showcase them."
Said another: "Aesthetics is very important for the overall game but in particular your supporters.
“Occasionally you have to sacrifice the aesthetics to get a win, but this is only for short periods of the game."
However, there were a few more pragmatic souls whose responses were short and to the point: "The job is to win"; "Do you want a job!" and, "Coaches are employed on win-loss ratios – start and finish".
HOW THEY ANSWERED
(selected responses)
Where do you see the game headed from a tactical perspective in 2009?
“More zoning”
“The game in 2009, in a tactical sense, will be all about the ‘rolling zone’. Most, if not all will employ these tactics, which also encourages and enables teams to flood more easily. This tactic decreases the number of inside 50s dramatically, consequently limiting scoring opportunities. As we (coaches) instruct our players not to give up possession unnecessarily there will be more ‘keepings off‘ than ever, more sideways chipping of the ball and obviously more ugly football.”
“Teams are learning to outnumber and shut down regions of the ground by owning space rather than playing man on man. It’s an effective defensive tactic that will continue.”
“How many books do you want me to write??!!”
“Midfield cluster”
“Tactics around less physicality”
“More lower scoring, more defensive mindset”
"Look at trends in other invasion field sports played internationally – that's where your answer lies"
“Rolling zones with some teams”
“Zoning defences, less inside 50s, more turnovers”
“Zone defences”
“More zoning / interchange”
“More defensive-type play”
What importance do you place on the aesthetics of the game as opposed to winning for your club?
“As coach, your main aim is to win games. This is not only for supporters, the board and players, but also your own sanity and longevity. Having said that, I believe we have an obligation to help/assist/advise with how the game is played. In developing markets ... it is paramount that we are able to sell the exciting qualities of our game and be able to showcase them.”
“Both are important but it’s up to the competition and the rule makers to look after the aesthetics and the coaches to win games.”
“I think it is important – we have to make [the game] more popular”
“Always got the game at heart”
“We place high importance on both aspects”
“Aesthetics is very important for the overall game but in particular your supporters. Occasionally you have to sacrifice the aesthetics to get a win, but this is only very often for short periods of the game.”
“Job is to win”
“None”
“Have a responsibility for both”
“More to look after game, but will shut a game down late to hold onto a small lead”
“Coaches are employed and retained on win-loss ratios, start and finish!”
“Five per cent. It doesn’t feel good winning ugly but [is] better than losing”
“Little – winning is our brief from our clubs, not [being] the most spectacular losing team”
“Do you want a job??!!”
The 2009 afl.com.au Coaches Survey was conducted anonymously, with thanks to the AFL Coaches Association. Check back each day this week for more responses.
