Re: Pre-Game Pressure: AFL 2019 Rd 5: Carlton vs Western BUlldogs
Reply #6 –
I'd like to see nine points awarded for a drop kick (or place kick) goal ... but that's another conversation.
As a spectator, I would prefer to see tagging banned. As a student of the game, I concede that there is a place for close-checking defenders but more creative coaches will find ways to negate the opposition's better players without compromising team defence. Samo's blocks on Kennedy at stoppages last week were a prime example, particularly as both Samo and Cripps were free to complete clearances.
I think that some commentators struggle with the nuances of the modern game and call stuff that isn't there. eg Kennedy was tagging Cripps. During the Melbourne-Sydney game, one of the commentators said that a Sydney player was tagging Oliver (why would you bother). Almost immediately, the commentators remarked that the Sydney player was opposed to Harmes. In reality, we were simply seeing the zone in action. Perhaps that's too hard for the commentators to take in.