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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 11 2024 Post Game Postulations Carlton vs Gold Coast
Last post by kruddler -The unknown though...is the 'unknown'.
We can visualise it, we can run our own scenarios looking at games and how things might go, but they'll come with a bit of bias either way.
Until you run a proper trial, the problems and the tactics used to nullify the rule won't be apparent.
And you can almost guarantee there will be unforseen consequences to such a change.
I think it's probably a fair guess to assume that initially it may result in more stoppages as players get pinged and both ball-players and tacklers delay and dwell on the contest and contact.
So any trial would require a bit of time before any benefits are realised and it becomes a fixed rule.
Not sure how you accomplish that.
You do it by introducing it to the VFL, or U18s comp or something. Give it a couple of seasons before you make a call on it.
Initially, there will be some confusion and adjusting.
Halfway through the season players will be used to it.
By the time finals come round, there will be some new tactics to take advantage of it.
You need the off-season to work out new tactics.
You need the next season before there is a new kind of normal with tactics and countertactics in place.
Anything shorter than that and you won't get a true indication of it.
Certainly won't get an idea from a couple of practice games which the afl attempted with its previous half-ar$ed trial.