The Game Plan - Better, Worse Or Non-Existent ??

[LP]

They're at Syd, Freo and Hawthorn.

Can't remember which luminary was pumping up the Hawks mids the other day, suggesting they've changed even the way they contest the ball.

If it looks like they will be tackled they will keep knocking the ball to advantage or quick handballs but in the hope another player gets it. Because all the players are on the same page more often that not they know where to go before the ball is even tapped there. If it ends in the hands of the opposition it doesn't matter because they get tackled immediately. It means the Hawks mids always believe they are in control of the situation.

Who is the Hawks midfield coach again?...........

The biggest difference I have noticed in AFL over the last two seasons in that the better clubs don't take possession of the ball!

They tap it free, fumble it free, drop it free, all apparently by complete chance in their favor! If an opponent is stupid enough to step in and try and pick it up he is smashed. The bloke picking up the ball is target fodder!

Further some of the KPPs deliberately fail to mark the ball because a mark breaks momentum. Often they fudge the mark to try and make sure it falls to their team-mates advantage rather than take control and slow the play!

Another thing, have a look at a the first few rounds this season and watch the amount of tunnel ball, it is just bizarre! That used to be deemed a throw in the old days regardless of how the ball came to be on the ground!

You may also have noticed that twice this season Hodge has run past the ball and buried his shoulder into an opponents chest. No free kick, not report, not even a mention at the MRP. Last year and for the last few years this was a charging offense. When did that change?

Finally, the number of throws, gives, Crow throws, incorrect disposals has gone up exponentially! The AFL may as well just give the handball rule away because they way they police it now it's become unenforceable!