(08-02-2017, 02:39 AM)IvanAwfulbigone link Wrote:This.
It's been an evolution linked to macho bullcrap from Sheedy and the 80's. Jezza was one of the best tacklers I have seen and when he wrapped a player up and pinned his arms he just set those big thighs like pylons which meant tackled player and ball was going nowhere.
Lots of commentators (esp. SEN) lamenting the fact that players have been taught to pin the arms while tackling - Robert Walls said it was a focus when they employed an ex-rugby tackling coach at the Brisbane Bears. Well guess what, I have a 'How to Play Aussie Rules' manual from the 1950's which demonstrates the right way and wrong way (with photos) to execute the skills. Right way to tackle is to bear hug the opposition and pin his arms. Player can't handball or kick, end of story.
Nowadays it's all about psychological ascendance and intimidation - i.e. slinging, driving into the ground, giving them an extra shove when you've already won the free, humiliating a la Cale Hooker on Daniel Neilsen, etc., etc.
Nice post Ivan. Notwithstanding all of that, I would have thought there is an advantage to the tackling team in being awarded a htb or illegal disposal free in the player is standing. It makes it clearer and easier to see what the ball carrier is intending, rather than bodies flying everywhere, players being slung every which way etc., which I think tends to put doubt in the umpires minds.
There are definitely those on here who feel that you can never have too much hurt and intimidation on a footy field. For those of us, er.., pussy cats, the jury is definitely out.
I much prefer the way the great Geelong teams from a few years ago went about it rather than the Lions 3peat teams, for example.