Collingwood vice-captain James Clement has labelled the possibility of the Coaches' Association (CA) holding a summit with the AFL on the recent change to the p
Collingwood vice-captain James Clement has labelled the possibility of the Coaches' Association (CA) holding a summit with the AFL on the recent change to the push in the back interpretation as a 'smart move'.Clement believes players in general are skeptical of the alterations and has implored the Players Association to follow in the footsteps of the CA."I think the Players' Association could probably put their hand up as well and objectively sit down with the AFL at the end of NAB pre-season competition and talk about the rule changes, (determine) what's worked and what hasn't and maybe come to some compromise," Clement said.Despite the remote chances the AFL will back-flip on its 'hands in the back' rule change, Clement hopes everyone's viewpoint on the issue will be heard by the AFL."If there was a scenario where the rules weren't working and the vast majority of players, coaches, officials at clubs and spectators didn't like the rule changes then (you'd like to think) they'd probably wind them back," said Clement.Clement also made the point that, although he is one of the higher profile players expected to be affected by the rule changes, he is one of many that will find it tough to adapt initially."I think the way the rules have changed and the way that the game has evolved, people started using their bodies and hands are part of that," the two-time Copeland Trophy winner explained."(The AFL) saw fit that the best full-back in 100 years was Steve Silvagni and if he couldn't use his hands then I'd suggest he wouldn't be full-back of the century and probably wouldn't be getting a game these days."Regarding the question marks over Nathan Buckley's fitness 26 days out from the season opener, Clement was quick to assure everyone that everything is on track."Obviously he was looking to play this particular weekend, or the weekend just gone, and he's probably on track to play this weekend instead," Clement said."It's just your typical thing, obviously we know where Nathan is in his career, probably at the older end, and (we) want him ready for the main games rather than the practice matches."Alan Didak is another star on Collingwood's injury list following a serious knee injury last year and Clement is optimistic about the 2006 All-Australian's chances of playing senior footy sooner than expected."I actually don't know whether he'll play a practice match before the season proper but you just have to be down here and watch him train and the way he's moving, and things like that, to know that his preparation for the season is sensational."Collingwood will be taking on Sydney at Narrandera on Friday night in a Regional Challenge match.
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