Another new Hawthorn innovation: Tim Clarke's maul

[RustyHawk]

With the league still struggling to catch up to Hawthorn innovations like

Buddy's box

Denying players on the boundary line the ability to bring the ball inboard

Pushing players who have passed the ball so they can no longer be part of the action

Allowing teams to kick out only to the dead pocket and then shutting down all other options

We have the latest: Tim Clarke's amazing running maul.

In a pack situation grabbing the ball off the deck and instead of staying down and getting pinged by the umpires for holding the ball - picking the ball up and going head first into the nearest opposition player or players and pushing towards our goal.

Umpires will not pay around the neck as Timmy has dropped his head but when he is finally stalled they are forced to bounce. Safe way to stop "holding the ball" and moves us forward 5-10 metres.



Will we see the "maul" in action this weekend?

[keefriffhard]

I have noticed this also. While most players are trying to drag the ball in and are running the risk of being called for dragging it in, Tim is actually attempting to stand up in these situations and push forward. Interesting tactic.

[RustyHawk]

I have noticed this also. While most players are trying to drag the ball in and are running the risk of being called for dragging it in, Tim is actually attempting to stand up in these situations and push forward. Interesting tactic.

He did at least twice against Brisbane on the weekend.

When I saw it reminded me of a rugby maul.

[Hawkk]

Notice this on Sat.

Also noticed we sometimes set up union style along the open side of the contest when the ball is contested and look to run forward in waves from the contest if we get the ball.

Forget basketball, if anything the game is morfing into Union

[Power21]

Denying players on the boundary line the ability to bring the ball inboard

Pushing players who have passed the ball so they can no longer be part of the action

Allowing teams to kick out only to the dead pocket and then shutting down all other options



These aren't innovations, you guys are just implementing them to the coaches exact orders.

Allowing a kick to a dead pocket and hopefully shutting down remaining options has been around for years mate, we got taught that in under 14's.

Credit where credit is due though your team is following order well, probably scared of Clarko and Dimma blasting them.

[Hawk-in-syd]

Hodges's been doing it for ages

[Manila_Hawk]

I wish that he would teach the technique to Buddy Franklin. He always seems to get pinged once or twice a week, he just drags the ball in and makes no attempt to get it out !!

[Gold Member]

Didn't mind Buddy's "fend" [don't argue] against the Lions, very similar to Greg Inglis. :thumbsu:

[toomanysquibs]

Hodges's been doing it for ages

He does it a lot too - got a free a couple of weeks back against North for too high during one go.

One thing that worries me about it is that the guys are literally leading with their head. Fair chance of having their skulls caved in if the right knob gets the chance.