WHAT WE LEARNED FROM LAST WEEK’S GRAND FINAL

NICK BOWEN, ASHLEY BROWNE, CAMERON NOAKES, PETER RYAN, CALLUM TWOMEY

any elements of a You can bet some new awarded at a centre bounce premiership team’s understanding about the science or in the centre square? winning formula of recovery will leap forward. And Could a high kick when a team is infl uence the shape psychological expertise is likely surging forward (think of the high Mof the next season. to receive the recognition inside ball used in rugby) be a way to force Normally, trend-watchers have football clubs it deserves. And it’s a score late in a tight game, or even only two hours of Grand Final certain strategic thinking around the beat a zone? football to determine what will be game will only increase. Whatever happens today, the next fashionable the following season. Here are some left-fi eld ideas chapter promises plenty. Today’s game The replay makes football watching that ought to be considered after will only heighten the intrigue as double the fun, with twice the watching last week’s game. we take a sneak peak at what factors amount of intrigue. Could a team move the ball might interest AFL clubs in 2011. Defensive presses, one specialist forward by dribbling it along the ruckman and one back-up, ground to make best use of ground- THE UTILITY IS A defenders being tagged, any level skills while also quelling the COACH’S DREAM of midfi elders, the need opposition’s marking defenders? to focus on goalkicking and the Could selecting fresh legs every seemed need to kick more, are just some second week be a way for clubs capable of answering St Kilda of the trends to emerge from with deep lists to maximise their coach ’s prayers all over last week’s drawn Grand Final. run and advantage? the ground last Saturday. Who knows what the replay will Could we see the huddle used in In the midfi eld, he won the ball throw forward? a forward line when a free kick is almost at will. He racked up 31

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 34 30/9/10 12:17:47 PM WILDCARD: Brendon Goddard’s superb high mark in the last quarter evoked comparisons with the great and underlined the value an elite utility off ers his coach.

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 35 30/9/10 12:52:40 PM A successful WHAT WE LEARNED team needs a strong possessions and fi ve clearances, Fremantle’s Players who ball-winning and Swan, St while fi ve times he won the and Hawthorn’s , can win centre combination in Kilda’s Hayes or hit-out as the third-man up at who starred as an undersized clearances are the middle , around-the-ground stoppages. centre half-back in the 2008 invaluable, as a Hawthorn’s Sam In defence, he took kick-ins, Grand Final. quick clearance Mitchell, Essendon’s rebounded the ball from the In one sense, we’re simply and surge inside , the Lions’ Saints’ defensive 50m arc six talking about champion players 50 helps forwards trap the ball. , Carlton’s Chris times – the third highest tally because you don’t earn that title Watching Collingwood’s Judd, ’s for the game – and, with two by being one-dimensional. Look best four on-ballers (Darren and Gary Ablett (now with Gold minutes remaining in the game, at how Gary Ablett jnr has proven Jolly, , Coast), or the Bulldogs’ Matthew made a critical spoil, punched just as dangerous on the forward and ) up Boyd so valuable, and confi rms Chris Dawes’ shot for goal across line as in the midfi eld this year, against the Saints’ ruckman the point that a successful team the boundary line, rather than kicking a career-high 44 goals. ( or Justin needs a strong ball-winning concede a behind. But players such as Goddard Koschitzke) and , combination in the middle, And in attack, Goddard twice who can play ‘tall’ are the Brendon Goddard and Nick working together, understanding took strong pack marks; the wildcards coaches most dream Dal Santo, was to see two great each other’s patterns. fi rst in the third quarter and about having at their disposal. mini-teams going head to head. The best individuals – say, the second – high enough to Goddard offers Lyon the added Last Saturday, when either Judd, Ablett, Swan and Hayes evoke comparisons with Carlton fl exibility of an extra key position team managed clean clearances – also hurt the opposition when great Alex Jesaulenko’s classic option in attack or defence. – generally through Hayes or they spread, making quick, mark from the 1970 Grand And players who can soar to Swan – the game swung in that smart decisions about where to Final – in the fi nal term. On take speccies up forward, and team’s direction. run to create space. And they both occasions, he converted then make match-winning Late in the second quarter, know the system of play their his subsequent shot for goal. spoils in defence, are rare indeed. Swan found space in the centre team is implementing, being Goddard’s performance square and Collingwood disciplined enough to push back underlined just how much YOU CAN’T UNDERPLAY threatened to take over the game. when required. fl exibility an elite utility offers THE IMPORTANCE In the second half, with Farren his coach. OF WINNING CENTRE Ray tightening up on Swan, THE ERA OF TWO Having risen to the game’s CLEARANCES Hayes began to get clean breaks SPECIALIST RUCKMEN upper echelon in the past two and the game turned in the MIGHT BE OVER seasons, he is retracing the Both the Saints and the Magpies Saints’ favour. footsteps of past star utilities are prepared to press up as The centre clearance puts The omission of Ben McEvoy such as Jesaulenko, Malcolm they move the ball forward to pressure on the opposition’s from St Kilda’s team as a tactical Blight (North ), ensure it stays in their respective defensive structure, with players response to Collingwood’s Gary Ablett snr (Geelong), attacking halves. forced to fi ght one-on-one, - ruck and James Collingwood has kept the without the support the third combination signalled the end of Hird (Essendon) and Anthony ball inside its forward 50 longer man zoning off or tracking clubs playing two ruck specialists. Koutoufi des (Carlton). than any other team this season across can provide. This makes With high interchange Today, Goddard’s utility and it leads the competition in centre-square specialists such as rotations, clubs can no longer contemporaries include inside-50 differentials. the Magpies’ Ball, Pendlebury afford to have two players in one team who each play only 50 per cent of the game. Two of the 22 must now play around 80 per cent of the game each, switching between ruck and forward roles and allow midfi elders to rotate on and off the bench enough to keep their intensity high. Geelong indicated it had adopted this policy by playing Tom Hawkins alongside . Fremantle has used Michael Johnson as a back- up for and Melbourne went with as a solo ruckman. One impact of the structural change is that it makes experts at the third-man up tactic more important than ever. St Kilda has always excelled at the art of third-man up at stoppages. Lenny Hayes and Brendon Goddard have both the leap and timing to NO SPACE: Dane Swan was rise above a ruck contest and restricted to just 21 touches either grab the ball or knock last week and, when he did it forward. It’s a tactic that gain possession, Saints such looks easy, but it takes skill and as Clinton Jones and ensured he was teamwork to execute well. always under pressure. Last Saturday, after half-time, with Michael Gardiner injured

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 36 30/9/10 12:40:22 PM WHAT WE LEARNED

and in the ruck, the two Saints used their VERSATILE: The days of teams fi elding two specialist expertise in that area to deny ruckmen could be over, with Jolly and Brown the chance to more mobile back-up players give their midfi elders fi rst use such as and Leigh of the football. Brown providing coaches with greater fl exibility. Goddard had fi ve hit-outs and Hayes three but, more importantly, they bashed into the Collingwood ruck duo, limiting the chance they had to knock the ball down to the advantage of Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury. The tactic was also assisted by the umpires letting the play go, apparently unwilling to pay free kicks for holding the ball. Hayes, in particular, worked hard to get his hands on the ball fi rst and dish it off in the way Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer did when he reinvented the art of ruckwork in the 1960s. With so many players around the ball at stoppages, the ability to clear the area and put runners into space might in the near future be a function of mid-sized players with good leaps. Think of Lion or Bomber Patrick Ryder as prototypes.

GOOD TEAMS HAVE ON-GROUND COACHES Team leaders need to understand the game-plan and the structures implicitly so they can instinctively make changes on the ground according to any situation that arises. If you watch the good teams, their leaders are pointing and shouting at every stoppage to ensure teammates are in space. It is not unlike watching a cricket captain setting a fi eld; however, AFL players generally only have seconds to remind teammates where they are expected to be. It’s why or Lenny Hayes are so vital; they are able to play great football while supporting their teammates to make decisions in line with the game-plan. When it comes to selection and recruiting, don’t just assess the decision on natural skill. The best teams have great ‘captain- coaches’ among their leadership apparent this year that Swan is fi nishing the match with 39 midfi elder manipulated the group, spreading the message to not only a ball-winner, he is also possessions, one goal, seven game, and not just by weight all parts of the ground. a match-winner, as his game in clearances and eight inside 50s. of possession. round 15 against Port Most importantly, Swan Yes, he had 36 touches, but DANE SWAN CAN BE TAMED screamed to the football-viewing won the ball from stoppages and it was his ability to bring his public – well, at least to those of Port could not get its hands on teammates into the contest With 21 disposals, Dane Swan’s us who were unaware. it or him. The following week in and drive his team inside 50 Grand Final, numerically at least, In that game, Swan round 16 when the Saints met that was most telling – he had was one of the quietest games single-handedly dragged the Collingwood, it was Swan nine inside 50s as the Pies ran he has played in recent times. Pies over the line after scores again who electrifi ed the Pies. out 48-point winners.Stopping Needless to say, this was by were locked at half-time. He was St Kilda would have watched Swan is seemingly impossible, St Kilda’s design. It has become everywhere, and did everything, with great interest how the for he has an uncanny knack

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 38 30/9/10 12:19:20 PM of being where the ball is – he reads the play at stoppages better than any other player in the competition, hence his high disposal average. So, quelling his impact is one of the keys to stopping Collingwood. It is not coincidental the Magpies’ periods of dominance in the Grand Final came when Swan was off the leash. McAvaney and chief In the opening quarter, football writer Collingwood raced away to an were among the most prominent MISSED CHANCES: early lead as Swan sizzled in the voices in this group. Collingwood forward Travis fi rst 14 minutes. Such debate is almost Cloke was off target late in the second quarter. But St Kilda responded in the inevitable. Individual awards, second half of that term, and did by their nature, invite it. so by denying Swan the ball. As The Medal is therethere we nneedeed to makemake suresure the Saints fought their way back awarded by a panel of fi ve we utilise those a bit better to trail by a goal at the break, experts, each voting 3-2-1 for the andand I’d saysay that would be the Swan had just one touch as best three players on the ground. No.No. 1 lelessonsson llearnedearned ssoo fafar.r. Clint Jones smothered him. Similarly, the Brownlow “We couldcould stop kkickingicking Swan again broke free in Medal is based on the votes of it to (Saint) Sam FisherFisher – the second term and again the AFL umpires, and the AFL thatthat would be helpful … Collingwood broke away. Players’ Association’s most if our boys are leading, it’sit’s But after half-time, St Kilda valuable player award on a reallyreally goodgood idea forfor us to was able nullify him. those of the players. kickkick thethe ballball to themthem andand The ball-magnet spent time All three awards are not to Fisher.” on the bench in the third, but determined by subjective Yes,Yes, bad kickingkicking is badbad , with help from Jones judgments – opinions. football,football, as the Pies who and Leigh Montagna, made sure The one-eyed and the neutral missedmissed seeminglyseemingly easyeasy Swan’s infl uence was minimal among us are often going shotsshots at goalgoal wouwouldld hhaveave when he was on the ground. to view the game, and the beenbeen toldtold ththisis wweek.eek. Here is the key question: can respective contributions of the In 2008, Geelong’sGeelong’s it be done in successive weeks? players involved, differently. goalkickinggoalkicking was poorpoor – it In football, everyone has an bootedbooted 11.23 to the Hawks’ EVERYONE’S (STILL) opinion. That’s something we 18.7.18.7. It shouldshould be notednoted thatthat GOT AN OPINION should celebrate, as opposed severalseveral ofof the Cats’ minor to clamouring for consensus. scoresscores were rusrushed,hed, butbut stillstill Let’s get one thing straight from On such a high-pressure day theythey blewblew theirtheir chances.chances. the outset – Lenny Hayes was as the Grand Final, it would seem And,And, lastlast year, St KildaKilda a worthy winner of this year’s too big an ask for the three fi eld couldcould ononlyly manage a six-point (fi rst) as the umpires to select the Norm Smith leadlead at half-time after fl uffi ng best player on the ground in last Medal winner. Better to leave easyeasy opportunities.opportunities. Saturday’s drawn Grand Final. them to focus on their main job. ThereThere is nono doubtdoubt ththee The Saints vice-captain was And a panel that incorporates inside-50 count can be inspirational in the midfi eld, fi ve different viewpoints seems misleading.misleading. It can be weiweightedghted winning 32 possessions and as good a method as any to in a team’steam’s favourfavour whenwhen itsits laying 12 tackles. He played determine the winner. opponent llikesikes to retreat. a key role in St Kilda’s second- It isis in thisthis casecase thethe statisticstatistic half comeback, fi nding PURE INSIDE-50 NUMBERS becomesbecomes irrelevant.irrelevant. TheThe something extra to kick a goal MEAN LITTLE importantimportantdetailiswhohasi t td detail t ili is who h has h from outside 50m in the fi nal control of the ball. quarter. He also kicked the Collingwood coach Mick The stat also lacks meaning WHAT MORE CAN CLUBS game-tying behind. Malthouse seems to treat the when there are stoppages on or DO ABOUT GOALKICKING? But, as good as Hayes inside-50 statistic with disdain. near the arc and the ball simply was, his teammate Brendon He need only point to the tumbles into the area. Hopes that Collingwood’s Goddard would have been 2008 and 2009 Grand Finals, But no one is under any goalkicking woes were gone an equally deserving Norm when the teams with fewer illusion. Inside-50 counts are not for good were raised during Smith medallist. Like Hayes, he inside 50s (Hawthorn and scoring opportunities; they do, the preliminary fi nal when the was a prolifi c ball-winner (31 Geelong) won the silverware however, indicate that the ball Magpies rattled on 7.1 in the possessions), but he also kicked to support his argument. Thus, is in a dangerous zone. fi rst term against Geelong and two goals, took three contested Malthouse says, the statistic is Malthouse might be fi nished with 18.12 for the match. marks – including a last- inconsequential. irked when people look at Then they reappeared at the quarter mark that has already In last week’s Grand Final, the inside 50s and are most inopportune time of the been ranked among the best in Collingwood dominated the bewildered how Collingwood year – late in the second quarter Grand Final history – and made inside-50 count (62-35), but it did managed only a draw. of the Grand Final. a game-saving spoil in defence not translate on the scoreboard. But the fact the Magpies missed two in the dying minutes. On Monday, Collingwood regularly kicked the ball to gettable shots, either of Goddard’s heroics were assistant coach Mark Neeld Fisher, and missed gettable which would have extended enough for some commentators told the club’s website: “The shots, is not a fault of the Collingwood’s lead to fi ve goals, to argue he should have won the number of inside 50s we had statistic; they can only blame which even at that stage of the medal. Channel Seven’s Bruce is a clear positive for us. From themselves for that. match, felt like it might have been

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 39 30/9/10 12:40:58 PM WHAT WE LEARNED

enough. Chris Dawes also missed one, kicking out on the full. and missed gettable shots from inside 30m in the third term. As the gap between the number All the of Collingwood’s refi ning and all goals and behinds the simulation in started to grow on the scoreboard the world can’t and the margin prepare you for between the Pies game-day and the Saints started to shrink, one of the talking points of the season – “Could Collingwood’s bad kicking cost it a premiership?” – began to permeate the MCG. We won’t know the answer to that until 5.15 this afternoon, but to those not privy to football’s inner sanctum, it remains a mystery why goalkicking accuracy has not improved at the same level as every other aspect of the game in an era of uber-professionalism. It’s not like they’re not trying. Halfway through the year, Collingwood coach estimated his players had taken 5000 more shots at goal at training than by the same stage the previous season, while clubs such as Hawthorn have constructed elaborate goalkicking simulation facilities at their high-tech training bases. The year’s Coleman medallist, Richmond’s , has a more simple approach. He loads up his iPod with soundtracks of crowd noise that he plays while practising his goalkicking at Punt Road Oval. But all the refi ning and all the simulation in the world can’t prepare you for game-day – wind, distance, sun, state of the ground, state of mind and the state of the game all come into play. Coaches can drum the importance of process, routine and goalkicking accuracy into their players, but all they can do is hope they’ll get it right on the day. But it won’t stop them from sending their troops out to take shot after shot once pre-season training resumes next month.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS SCIENCE IS ONLY INCREASING It was said in the lead-up to the Grand Final that the fi tness coaches for Collingwood and SUPERSTAR: soars St Kilda – David Buttifant and above Nathan Brown and Harry O’Brien for a towering mark. David Misson – had roles to play every bit as important as any of

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 42 30/9/10 12:57:06 PM WHAT WE LEARNED enough. Chris Dawes also missed the players or other coaches season when Ross Lyon was an one, kicking out on the full. at their respective clubs. assistant, while Buttifant has Dale Thomas and Jarryd Ahead of the replay, they been with Malthouse all the Blair missed gettable shots became even more critical. way, through three Grand Finals, from inside 30m in the Their planning for today and now a fourth. third term. As the gap got off to a bumpy start when between the number blocked sewerage pipes beneath All the of Collingwood’s TEAMS NEED A the MCG’s Ponsford Stand CREATIVE GENIUS refi ning and all goals and behinds dressing rooms during last the simulation in started to grow Saturday’s game forced both In an era of structures and the world can’t on the scoreboard teams to use the old dressing systems, an age of implemented and the margin rooms under the Great Southern plans, a time of rigid prepare you for between the Pies Stand after the match. professionalism and process, game-day and the Saints Neither club was able there remains a capacity – and started to shrink, to bring across all the ice, a need – for the player who isn’t one of the talking drinks and other medical and the same. The player who breaks points of the season – rehabilitation equipment they the mould, the one who excites, “Could Collingwood’s bad needed immediately after the creates and needs only to touch kicking cost it a premiership?” match, particularly after such the ball a handful of times to – began to permeate the MCG. a punishing encounter in which change the complexion of a game. We won’t know the answer to 189 tackles were laid. The player defi ned by his that until 5.15 this afternoon, By Sunday morning, both difference. In last week’s but to those not privy to football’s clubs were fi nally into their Grand Final, the creative inner sanctum, it remains complete recovery and the genius of several players was a mystery why goalkicking rest of the week proceeded as on show at various points of accuracy has not improved at normal, but there won’t have the game. That none were the same level as every other been too many major decisions A MOMENT OF quite able to seal the game aspect of the game in an era of made by either coach this week GENIUS: Leon for their team is immaterial. uber-professionalism. that won’t carry the imprimatur Davis celebrates That they had put their It’s not like they’re not of the fi tness men. his last-quarter respective teams in contention trying. Halfway through the snap goal in Training times: how many heavy traffi c. for victory said enough. year, Collingwood coach Mick sessions and for how long. One of ther beauties of Malthouse estimated his players Buttifant and Misson would have football is that it doesn’t had taken 5000 more shots at had a key say in how much work match fi tness he may have lost None of that trio played senior discriminate. It doesn’t care goal at training than by the the players did on the training by not playing last week? football in the past six weeks. what one did last week, last year, same stage the previous season, track. Rest and recuperation Buttifant would have had a St Kilda’s Steven Baker played or, in ’ case, what one while clubs such as Hawthorn would have been balanced similar thought process with his fi rst game in 13 weeks in may not have done in successive have constructed elaborate against the need for touch and respect to , if the Grand Final and performed Grand Finals in 2002-03. It cares goalkicking simulation facilities to work on drills and set-plays. the Collingwood selectors had remarkably well considering. But about what happens next. at their high-tech training bases. Injured and rested players: determined they needed him he would have been sore in spots Eight minutes into the last The year’s Coleman medallist, Ruckman Ben McEvoy was a fair to come back into the team. he didn’t know he had muscles. quarter, with a lucky bounce, Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, has a chance to come into the St Kilda Goldsack missed last week after They say the second match football gave Davis a chance. more simple approach. He loads team for the replay if Michael playing in the preliminary fi nal. after a prolonged absence is the Quick on his feet and even up his iPod with soundtracks of Gardiner had not recovered from But more challenging would hardest to prepare for. What quicker to react, Davis gathered crowd noise that he plays while his hamstring injury. McEvoy have been how to prepare any of plans would Misson have had a loose ball, broke a , practising his goalkicking at was an unlucky omission last , for Baker for the week? side-stepped Saints defender Punt Road Oval. week, but would Misson have and , Misson was a key lieutenant for , and spun around But all the refi ning and all put extra work into him this should Malthouse have wanted Paul Roos with the Swans on his right foot to curl a snap the simulation in the world can’t week to compensate for the them available for selection. during the 2005 premiership through for a goal. It was to be prepare you for game-day – wind, distance, sun, state of the ground, state of mind and the state of the game all come into play. We believe you’re at your best when you Coaches can drum the can truly be yourself. At Holiday Inn, you importance of process, routine always can. and goalkicking accuracy into their players, but all they can do As official hotel group for the AFL, is hope they’ll get it right on the Holiday Inn shares your passion for the day. But it won’t stop them from game. Whether you’re home or away or sending their troops out to take catching up with mates, let your true colours shot after shot once pre-season show at the hotel where your heroes stay. training resumes next month. Stay Fanatical with THE IMPORTANCE OF 25% off accommodation. SPORTS SCIENCE IS ONLY Terms and conditions apply. INCREASING Visit holidayinn.com/aflclub It was said in the lead-up to the or call 1300 666 704. Grand Final that the fi tness STAY coaches for Collingwood and SUPERSTAR: Nick Riewoldt soars St Kilda – David Buttifant and TM above Nathan Brown and Harry STAY YOU. The Official Hotel O’Brien for a towering mark. David Misson – had roles to play FANATICAL. holidayinn.com Group Of The AFL every bit as important as any of

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WHAT WE LEARNED

TACTICS: fi res out a handball in the Grand Final, but after half-time kicking was a favoured option. PHOTO BY KEVIN WESTENBERG

CHUGG ENTERTAINMENT AND GAYNOR CRAWFORD PRESENT

Going through the middle of RUFUS the ground is Collingwood’s second-last goal not necessarily the season. They avoid the centre using the boundary line of the game. In heavy traffi c, the best route corridor, preferring to set up as a means of attacking. Davis was unfl ustered. to goal along the boundary line and Often, the Saints started At the other end of the go around the centre square, their offensive move by ground, his small forward rather than through it. plugging themselves deep in counterpart, , Maxwell’s awkward short a defensive pocket. In this displayed another type of for a goal, proved that creativity pass was marked by , way, the other side of the brilliance. As ’s is one of the most vital elements who quickly reverted to the ground was opened up and of winning any game, especially game-plan. He looked to his the foot skills of players such WAINWRIGHT long kick dropped late, Milne, at only 176cm and 85kg, a Grand Final. right and went wide to Steele as Goddard, and outbodied his opponent Harry Sidebottom, who in turn kicked could be utilised, SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER PALAIS THEATRE O’Brien (188cm and 90kg), to USING THE BOUNDARY to , standing as they switched the ball and WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM.AU PH: 136 100 take a decisive mark. He coolly TO SET UP ATTACKS WORKS alone up against the boundary went around the other wing. went back and kicked the goal. line 70m from goal. Several times throughout The creative genius is adept The way Collingwood went Macaffer played on, kicked the latter stages of the game, as at his art, knowing the craft can about producing its fi nal goal long to the top of the square, well, the Saints kicked long to BY OVERWHELMING DEMAND NEW SHOW ADDED simultaneously lift his team and of the Grand Final – of which where Magpies Chris Dawes captain Nick Riewoldt in a pack defl ate his opposition. It was no Travis Cloke enjoyed the spoils and , and St Kilda’s situation near the boundary line. coincidence that moments after – was indicative of the game Brendon Goddard, fl ew for the When unable to take the mark, Milne’s goal, the Saints took the on the whole. ball. Cloke was the benefi ciary Riewoldt effectively got the lead through another piece of After Nick Maxwell of the crumbs after a clever ball to ground for his crumbing MONDAY 25 OCTOBER THE NATIONAL THEATRE brilliance – Brendon Goddard’s intercepted a Saints’ forward handball from Dawes. players to run on to. WWW.TICKETEK.COM.AU PH: 132 849 towering mark. foray at half-back with a The mechanics of the goal Perhaps the most pertinent Alan Didak’s set-shot goal from jumping mark, he stopped, were fascinating, but not point comes in the fact that deep in the pocket in the fi rst and then played on towards unique. St Kilda’s style revolves of the 19 goals scored on quarter, or even Dale Thomas’ the middle of the ground. around contested ball and long the day, only one – Justin forward-spinning attempt at a Generally, it is not the way the kicking to key forward targets, Koschitzke’s long bomb in the torpedo that dropped through Magpies have played for most of but it is also not averse to second quarter – came as a WWW.RUFUSWAINWRIGHT.COM WWW.CHUGGENTERTAINMENT.COM ALL DAYS ARE NIGHTS: SONGS FOR LULU OUT NOW 44 AFL RECORD visit afl record.com.au

ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 44 30/9/10 1:42:39 PM WHAT WE LEARNED

result of running through the option rather than handball, The number of stoppages itself. In the fi rst half, St Kilda’s centre of the ground. gaining metres and pushing and boundary throw-ins sat at looked to be the Going through the middle the ball forward. Its kick-to- 90 at game’s end, the most for Saints’ loose man in defence. of the ground might still be seen handball ratio went from 1.15:1 a game involving Collingwood On closer inspection, however, as the quickest route to goal, but before half-time to 1.57:1 after this season. There were 654 he was simply dropping off it’s not necessarily the best. the main break. possessions in the game, the his own opponent to help his In the second half, the Saints lowest possession count in a teammates when the ball was in THE KICK-TO-HANDBALL hit the stoppages much harder, Grand Final since 2006. the air. He took eight marks for RATIO MIGHT GO BACK their tackle numbers going It was a shift back in the game’s the day – fi ve contested – but to TO ‘NORMAL’ from 49 in the fi rst half to 51 dynamics, to pre-Geelong’s label him a loose man would be in the second. Collingwood’s dominance, making the game to underestimate his ability to Four-time premiership coach tackle count dropped from more like other forms of football read the play. suggested 53 in the fi rst half to 36 in the such as rugby, where gaining Knowing when to leave his after last week’s Grand Final second, but its kick-to-handball distance is critical and stop-start direct opponent – on the day a that the game could be moving ratio increased also, from play is a feature. combination of , away from the high-handball 1.27:1 to 1.97:1. Brent Macaffer and Travis Cloke style pioneered by West Coast Unfortunately for the HOW TO REACT TO THE – and help his teammates was his around 2005 in response to Magpies, many kicks were taken LOOSE MAN IN DEFENCE superior quality. Adelaide’s zoning, and mastered under pressure and the ball was The Magpies, of course, had by Geelong which, at its best, lost in their forward half, with Conventional theory would their own loose man in Nick fl icked the ball around by hand Sam Fisher and James Gwilt suggest there are probably three Maxwell, but the Saints threw in order to draw opponents and rebounding often. ways to react to a loose man in him a surprise in the third term disrupt zones before putting The Saints worked hard to defence, especially one who is by moving Sam Gilbert forward. teammates into space. achieve this change, slowing playing the role perfectly. The rangy Gilbert not only The Cats’ system was broken the game down, controlling You could man him up with kicked a goal, but made Maxwell down in the qualifying and the tempo as well as any team an attacking player who he will accountable and aware that, if preliminary fi nals by St Kilda realistically could in such a have to concentrate on, you given too much space, Gilbert and Collingwood, which were high-pressure game. could assign a defensive forward would be damaging. able to not only put pressure on The Saints’ tactics were to quell his infl uence, or you The element of surprise used the ball-carrier but, through akin to those middle-distance could go head-to-head and by Ross Lyon to curb Maxwell’s defensive structures and runners employ, surging then have your own loose man. All infl uence could be a tactic team-orientated defence, slowing, surging then slowing. three tactics were implemented seen more regularly to curb were ready to swoop on the They were prepared to lock it in in last week’s Grand Final, with loose defenders. Certainly, it receiver as well. or force the ball out of bounds varying success. gave Maxwell something new After half-time last Saturday, to create another stoppage Sometimes, however, the idea to consider after half-time, St Kilda made kicking its fi rst until the cavalry arrived. of the ‘loose man’ is a little loose potentially taking his mind

SURPRISE TACTIC: Sam Gilbert was used to curb Nick Maxwell’s rebound from half-back.

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 46 30/9/10 1:24:52 PM WHAT WE LEARNED result of running through the option rather than handball, The number of stoppages itself. In the fi rst half, St Kilda’s centre of the ground. gaining metres and pushing and boundary throw-ins sat at Sam Fisher looked to be the USING A SMART KICK Going through the middle the ball forward. Its kick-to- 90 at game’s end, the most for Saints’ loose man in defence. of the ground might still be seen handball ratio went from 1.15:1 a game involving Collingwood On closer inspection, however, as the quickest route to goal, but before half-time to 1.57:1 after this season. There were 654 he was simply dropping off it’s not necessarily the best. the main break. possessions in the game, the his own opponent to help his Skills on show In the second half, the Saints lowest possession count in a teammates when the ball was in The AFL Record noticed at least seven types of kicks commonly hit the stoppages much harder, Grand Final since 2006. the air. He took eight marks for THE KICK-TO-HANDBALL used in the game that were showcased in last week’s Grand Final. their tackle numbers going It was a shift back in the game’s the day – fi ve contested – but to RATIO MIGHT GO BACK It underlines the fact today’s players are becoming better skilled from 49 in the fi rst half to 51 dynamics, to pre-Geelong’s label him a loose man would be TO ‘NORMAL’ in all aspects of the game. in the second. Collingwood’s dominance, making the game to underestimate his ability to Four-time premiership coach tackle count dropped from more like other forms of football read the play. The kick over a teammate’s shoulder Leigh Matthews suggested 53 in the fi rst half to 36 in the such as rugby, where gaining Knowing when to leave his 1 as he runs into space after last week’s Grand Final second, but its kick-to-handball distance is critical and stop-start direct opponent – on the day a Justin Koschitzke kicked to Stephen Milne running with the fl ight at that the game could be moving ratio increased also, from play is a feature. combination of Dayne Beams, the seven-minute mark of opening term. This style of kick, into an away from the high-handball 1.27:1 to 1.97:1. Brent Macaffer and Travis Cloke open forward line with teammates running toward goal into space, style pioneered by West Coast Unfortunately for the HOW TO REACT TO THE – and help his teammates was his was seen regularly this season. around 2005 in response to Magpies, many kicks were taken LOOSE MAN IN DEFENCE superior quality. Adelaide’s zoning, and mastered under pressure and the ball was The Magpies, of course, had The dribble kick by Geelong which, at its best, lost in their forward half, with Conventional theory would their own loose man in Nick 2 Eight minutes into the match and Jarryd Blair used the fl icked the ball around by hand Sam Fisher and James Gwilt suggest there are probably three Maxwell, but the Saints threw outside of his foot to dribble the ball through for a goal from 20m in order to draw opponents and rebounding often. ways to react to a loose man in him a surprise in the third term out. The dribble kick, where the ball tumbles along the ground disrupt zones before putting The Saints worked hard to defence, especially one who is by moving Sam Gilbert forward. through a vacant goalsquare, became a feature of football in 2010. teammates into space. achieve this change, slowing playing the role perfectly. The rangy Gilbert not only The Cats’ system was broken the game down, controlling You could man him up with kicked a goal, but made Maxwell The drop punt down in the qualifying and the tempo as well as any team an attacking player who he will accountable and aware that, if 3 Alan Didak had a set-shot at goal from the boundary line at preliminary fi nals by St Kilda realistically could in such a have to concentrate on, you given too much space, Gilbert the 11-minute mark of the fi rst term. The execution from the tight and Collingwood, which were high-pressure game. could assign a defensive forward would be damaging. angle was rare – a skill only a few such as Didak and Hawthorn’s able to not only put pressure on The Saints’ tactics were to quell his infl uence, or you The element of surprise used can commonly execute properly – but the drop punt the ball-carrier but, through akin to those middle-distance could go head-to-head and by Ross Lyon to curb Maxwell’s IN CHARGE: (From left) remains the most common kick in the game. defensive structures and runners employ, surging then have your own loose man. All infl uence could be a tactic , team-orientated defence, slowing, surging then slowing. three tactics were implemented seen more regularly to curb and . 4 The torpedo were ready to swoop on the They were prepared to lock it in in last week’s Grand Final, with loose defenders. Certainly, it Dale Thomas attempted a torpedo at the 13-minute mark of the fi rst quarter that tumbled through for goal. Collingwood’s Alan receiver as well. or force the ball out of bounds varying success. gave Maxwell something new away from being a rebounding The umpires – Brett Rosebury, Didak and Tyson Goldsack used the torpedo to eff ect during the After half-time last Saturday, to create another stoppage Sometimes, however, the idea to consider after half-time, backman. From an external Ray Chamberlain and Shaun season and the ’ kicked a goal at St Kilda made kicking its fi rst until the cavalry arrived. of the ‘loose man’ is a little loose potentially taking his mind viewpoint, it would appear the Ryan – paid 32 free kicks (42 three-quarter time in round six to signal the kick had returned. loose man is given a licence to were awarded in wet and heavy SURPRISE TACTIC: Sam make a decision on when to go conditions in last year’s Grand The kick to a leading forward Gilbert was used to curb with a direct opponent or when Final), using the whistle only 5 Sam Gilbert ran through the corridor about 13 minutes into Nick Maxwell’s rebound to drop back into space. when infringements were clear from half-back. the second quarter and kicked to a forward leading to space on the It’s a role that requires and unambiguous. fat side of ground. This common kick was rare on Saturday, as the courage and skill and precision, The three Grand Final umpires pressure on the ball-carrier was so great. as well as discretion. were picked because they were considered the best from the 6 The kick on the non-preferred foot GUESS WHAT? THE home and away and fi nals Nick Dal Santo was forced on to his right foot often; however, UMPIRES DON’T SPOIL matches. No surprise there. Dale Thomas’ left foot kick in the last 10 seconds of the game when THE SPECTACLE “That’s why they get through under intense pressure to clear the ball from half-back to the our selection process. They are wing was vital. It came not long after a desperate Heath Shaw kick In the immediate aftermath our best, because they have around his bodyy thatththathatat hehe executedexexecxeecucututetedd byby swingingswiswswingwinngginggingng of St Kilda’s qualifying fi nal the best feel for the laws and his body so he couldououuldldld kickkickikicckk offoff oneononee leleg.legeg. win over Geelong in week one interpretations,” AFL umpires’ of the fi nals, the bulk of the manager Jeff Gieschen said. 7 The kickk offoff tthehehe outsideoututsidesisids dede talk – unfairly – focused on one Gieschen said the fact the two of the footootooott umpiring decision late in the teams generally stuck to their Alan Didak clearedredreredd theththe ballballala l fromfrfromom theththee centrececentrntntrre game, when a free kick paid structures – leaving men close to at the 25-minutee mmarkarkararkk ofof theththee opeoopeningpenpennniningngg against Geelong’s Cameron goal even when play was at the term using the outsideoutouuttsidetsidesids dee ooff hishiss lefleleftlefft Mooney for a push in the back opposite end, thus minimising foot, rather thann sscrewingsccrerewewiewwiningg theththee against Saint James Gwilt congested scrums at stoppages ball around the body.boboody.odyoddy.dyy. DidakDidaDiD dakdakk iiss (a correct decision) cost – aided the umpires’ ability to brilliant on bothh sidessidesiddeess ofof Geelong what might have adjudicate clearly. his body but thereereerree isis aann been a match-winning goal. He said the only contentious emerging trend Not surprisingly, all the talk ‘non-free’ related to Stephen that sees some following last week’s Grand Milne’s mark against Harry players more Final was about the draw. O’Brien in the last quarter, comfortable usinginginingg Hardly a breath was wasted a “50-50” decision. the outside of theirheiheheieir discussing the impact of the “You had the two best teams strong foot ratherherheherr thanththanana umpires. How refreshing. and the best umpires involved, their non-preferredrrerrreeded foot.foofofootot.t. Even if the premiership had so all aspects of the game were at been decided, it’s highly unlikely a high standard,” Gieschen said. there would have been any Rosebury, Chamberlain umpire-related chatter, such was and Ryan will be in charge IMPROVISATION: Alan Didak clears the ball using the the clean way the three men in of the replay. outside of his left foot. yellow handled proceedings. STATISTICS SUPPLIED BY CHAMPION DATA

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ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 46 30/9/10 1:24:52 PM ARGF2 p034-047 What we learned.indd 47 30/9/10 12:55:49 PM