We didn't know how many we were going to record, although we always entered with a plan to rotate through our structural positions (defenders, midfielders and forwards).
In each positional group we have two or three players who rotate through the same area.
The idea of these rotations is to keep the guys fresh. If you have a spell for, say, four minutes, you know when you come back on the ground, you're ready to go.
Nowadays, instead of getting a message from the coach saying: 'Brad you're going forward', it's up to me to know when to go into attack and when a player is coming off the ground.
In my situation, my role requires me to play further up the ground and involves a fair bit of lead-up work, so I usually come off at a certain time each quarter. That can vary slightly, depending on the course of the match, so I might have an extra minute or two on the ground at different times.
But I am aware of what period of each quarter I need to come off the ground. Against Geelong, I came off once in each quarter, although in the third term I had two spells on the bench.
The best time to rotate is when we've just kicked a goal or the opposition is having a set-shot. Sometimes it's the actual goalkicker who also comes off. The reason this occurs is because we've got a 30-second break in play. Ideally, we rotate when it doesn't have impact on the match.
From a fan's point of view, it's difficult to keep up with the amount of rotations occurring now, but as players, our focus is on our positional areas.
For example, if Russell Robertson is coming off and I replace him, I know we'll organise the forward line that best suits our structure.
The midfielders know they will play on three or four different guys, because they will constantly rotate and have their three or four-minute break. Players don't need the OK from the coaches' box for this to occur.
In defence, there are often fewer rotations for the key backs. For example, Nath Carroll might have a specific match-up on Cam Mooney, so it's harder for him to rotate. If Mooney comes off, then this gives Nath an opportunity for a breather.
With Nath playing more game-time, he may also need to modify his training program because of his circumstances.
For most of the game last round, Harry Taylor was my opponent and when he wasn't being rotated, Josh Hunt came to me.
Rotations have certainly become a lot more player driven – we tend to know when we are fatiguing and need a rest. Burst players might only last six minutes on the ground before heading to the bench.
The use of interchange rotations and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has increased our effective sprints for example, which says we are reaching more contests, so this practice and information is invaluable.
So do players find it difficult to come back onto the ground after a rest? I think it's up to the individual.
Some players, who have been used to spending 95 to 100 per cent of the match on the ground, may find it tough to come back on after a rest, but personally I feel a lot fresher once I've had a break.
It makes more sense to rotate rather than just 'rest' up forward, where you don't get a complete rest because you still have to lead and chase your opponent.
If you have a breather for a few minutes, you notice the difference once you are back on the ground and this can only benefit the player and ultimately the team.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
