Nathan MottonRound 1 proves star forwards importance in our game
March 23rd 2008 06:56
So far the most promising thing to take out of a thrilling Round 1, is the return of key forwards and the impression that the AFL's constant rule changes might finally be starting to take shape.
Power forwards Anthony Rocca, Jonathan Brown, Matthew Richardson and Lance Franklin have all booted bags over the weekend, and small forward Brad Johnson kicked five to beat the Crows by a kick at Telstra Dome today.
Chief executive Andrew Demetriou has long defended the introduction of constant rule tinkering, arguing that they are imperative to increasing the speed of the game.
Laws introduced over the past few years include; the immediate kick-in after a point, automatic restart of time on, reduced tolerance on holding players up after a mark or free and quicker boundary throw-ins are all designed to make the game more of a spectacle for fans.
But there have been criticisms leveled at the changes as many feared they would simply lead to the death of key-position players, and leave a hybrid of high speed, high endurance players.
Critic Mick Malthouse speaking on Radio SEN yesterday referred to the process of rule changes during the NAB cup as "stupid rule changes made by stupid people," a move certain to draw a please explain from the AFL.
And although this scribe agrees with Malthouse's outburst, the rule changes that have been implemented during the regular season seem to now be working.
The game moves now at an alarming pace, precisely the reason why interchanges should not be restricted to a particular number.
But after the first six games of the season, the changes certainly haven't minimised the importance of key forwards.
Rather, the speed and precision at which the games elite ball carriers move the ball through the corridor, is awesome to watch, and the greatest beneficiaries are the forwards.
Rocca was superb against the Dockers yesterday, with a six goal haul, and three in the last quarter to set up the pies impressive 26-point win.
Rocca proved a formidable target up forward, and moved as well as ever across the forward half on the back of another tough pre-season.
Jonathan Brown looked unstoppable at times last night against the eagles in Perth last night, and almost single handedly kept them in the game.
Richardson was at his usual best on Thursday night, kicking an important goal in the third to give his side momentum, and then kicking the sealer in the last.
And Lance Franklin dominated over a woeful Melbourne this evening, kicking six.
And Brendan Fevola once again proved on Thursday night why the blues can't afford to play without their star forward.
He proved their only target up forward, and although only finishing with two, it's scary to think of a Carlton side without the infamous trouble-maker.
Bottom line: key forwards have proved their importance to our game, amidst a swag of rule changes which could quite easily have led to their demise.
And star forwards kicking swags of goals is what the punters want to see.
Power forwards Anthony Rocca, Jonathan Brown, Matthew Richardson and Lance Franklin have all booted bags over the weekend, and small forward Brad Johnson kicked five to beat the Crows by a kick at Telstra Dome today.
Chief executive Andrew Demetriou has long defended the introduction of constant rule tinkering, arguing that they are imperative to increasing the speed of the game.
Laws introduced over the past few years include; the immediate kick-in after a point, automatic restart of time on, reduced tolerance on holding players up after a mark or free and quicker boundary throw-ins are all designed to make the game more of a spectacle for fans.
Critic Mick Malthouse speaking on Radio SEN yesterday referred to the process of rule changes during the NAB cup as "stupid rule changes made by stupid people," a move certain to draw a please explain from the AFL.
And although this scribe agrees with Malthouse's outburst, the rule changes that have been implemented during the regular season seem to now be working.
The game moves now at an alarming pace, precisely the reason why interchanges should not be restricted to a particular number.
But after the first six games of the season, the changes certainly haven't minimised the importance of key forwards.
Rather, the speed and precision at which the games elite ball carriers move the ball through the corridor, is awesome to watch, and the greatest beneficiaries are the forwards.
Rocca proved a formidable target up forward, and moved as well as ever across the forward half on the back of another tough pre-season.
Jonathan Brown looked unstoppable at times last night against the eagles in Perth last night, and almost single handedly kept them in the game.
Richardson was at his usual best on Thursday night, kicking an important goal in the third to give his side momentum, and then kicking the sealer in the last.
And Lance Franklin dominated over a woeful Melbourne this evening, kicking six.
And Brendan Fevola once again proved on Thursday night why the blues can't afford to play without their star forward.
He proved their only target up forward, and although only finishing with two, it's scary to think of a Carlton side without the infamous trouble-maker.
Bottom line: key forwards have proved their importance to our game, amidst a swag of rule changes which could quite easily have led to their demise.
And star forwards kicking swags of goals is what the punters want to see.
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