When the numbers are equal and I can count six on six at both ends I have a feeling of optimistic expectation. This set-up bodes well for an entertaining, free-flowing game.
Last Friday both North Melbourne and Collingwood started with six forwards and six defenders. The result? Players could kick the ball into their forward 50 with confidence that their forwards were not outnumbered by opposition defenders. An entertaining, quick-moving, high-scoring game resulted.
Both teams were even prepared to drive the footy long into their attacking areas to allow their big forwards to leap at the high balls.
The previous Friday, St Kilda and Port Adelaide had the extra defender. This game, particularly when the Saints established a big lead, became quite boring and uninteresting.
On these occasions when there is a spare defender at both ends then a stop-start, go-back, go-sideways, maintain-possession style of footy will likely follow. This is not a spectacle that I enjoy and I don't think the fans do either.
Apart from only being allowed a maximum of four players in the centre square for ball-ups, obviously the other 14 can be positioned anywhere at any time. What if, at every centre bounce, the six at each end was mandatory? Would that reduce the congested back half which is the foundation of current coaching tactics?
I for one would like to see the NAB Cup competition next year used to trial a rule where it was compulsory to have six players in both the forward and defensive 50m arcs at every centre bounce.
Nothing will completely stop 36 players being within 50m of the footy for most of the game, and the inevitable soccer-style tactic of flooding the opposition's attacking area or any set kick forward of centre.
However, if pairs of players are spread over the whole field after goals or at the start of quarters then it may just lead to more of the one-on-one that we all relish.
If there is such a thing as a key forwards union then I'm sure they would lobby for this rule to be introduced next week! For now, a trial in next year's pre-season competition would be well worth a look.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
