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Dying Breed by Matt Harrington, Radio Sport 927 July 24, 2002 In the past two weeks, star forwards David Neitz, Alastair Lynch and Kent Kingsley have reminded us about something that has been missing from the game this season. The all-conquering feared full-forward. They have kicked 44 goals between them in the past three rounds, to now head the AFL goal-kicking tally. Apart from when Matthew Lloyd is fit hardly any teams have a conventional full-forward any more. In this day an age of AFL football, coaches are looking for adaptable players who can play in various positions. Players need to be a forward, not a full-forward. Kingsley, Neitz and Lynch usually roam around the forward line, not just sticking to the goal square. In past few rounds, once their coaches cashed in on their hot form, leaving them close to goal. Just these three players have kicked more than three goals a game this season. That's less than one a quarter. The dreaded flood could explain why players are kicking less goals this season. Oppositions have improved their technique of clogging up the full-forward's space, and clubs now give other players a licence to shoot from long range over the flood. Other reasons for limited goals could be the high possession "keepings off" style of game played by the better teams. The ball seems to be held onto longer, with scoring limited as teams protect the ball. The under 18 competition has also lead to the slow death of the conventional full-forward. The TAC Cup competition has developed a new breed of player, who needs to be able to play in a variety of positions. Most drafted players are ready to make the transition into senior football. These kids have been trained as athletes, who play football. They can jump higher, run faster, play smarter. Full-backs used to be stoppers, now they are more complete players. They run to create at any chance, and generally make a full-forwards' day tougher. Port Adelaide and Brisbane average above 115 points per game, while only four others teams in the competition average over 100 points per game. Defensively just six teams concede more than 100 points on average. No wonder the goal-kicking ladder looks sick and sorry for itself, with a majority of matches won by scoring under 100 points. It's safe to say the days of multiple players kicking 100 in a season are over. Since 1967 just seven seasons have failed to produce a 100-goal performer, with three of those years having a player reaching the nervous 90s and just missing the legendary milestone. With just six games remaining it appears that 70 would win the Coleman this year, that would be the lowest total since 1975, when Leigh Matthews booted 68 goals. The AFL game is exciting, but unfortunately the evolution of the game appears likely to claim the full-forward. With all forwards capable of kicking goals, the full-forward is no longer the sole "go to" player. Our grandchildren will no doubt scoff, jeer and doubt the stories we tell them of Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett and Matthew Lloyd. So it's important we enjoy this goal kicking feast at present because more than likely we'll be the last generation able to recall the halcyon days of the spearhead. Balls and All.....this month • Consistency Pays Matt Harrington, 24 July 2002 • Dying Breed Matt Harrington, 24 July 2002 • Light at the end of the tunnel Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Northerly blows a change Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Are we too precious Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Double Trouble Matt Harrington, 3 July 2002 • Using the popularity Matt Harrington, 3 July 2002 • Index of all stories |
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