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By Leigh Matthews 6:55 AM Mon 06 April, 2009
LAST Friday against St Kilda, Adelaide had 403 disposals including 225 handballs but only went inside their attacking 50 a paltry 35 times. Competition averages would be around 50.
So much for high-possession, high-handball footy being a sure bet, or a winning game plan.
The current theory that every team must play like Geelong and copy the Cats’ flick-the-ball-around, high-handball style reminds me of a saying I once read:
“Most people follow the path that others have made. Leaders create the trail for others to follow.”
Unfortunately following the latest trends has always been a bad habit around the AFL world, a temptation at club level and even more at the game commentary level.
While plagiarising and pinching good ideas is smart it also means you are second to the ball when the aim is to get in front.
Geelong have been the dominant team for a couple of years and having over 200 handballs a game works magnificently for them.
Emulating this style is the current footy version of follow the leader.
I see no evidence that high-possession footy without the class of the Cats’ defence and midfield will increase the winning chances of lesser teams.
In fact unless decision-making and skill levels under pressure are extremely high, it will lead to constant turnovers and an increased chance of losing.
Adapting a game plan that suits your own personnel and strengths will always be a better policy than trying to be a carbon copy of the current power teams.
Always has been. Always will be.
LAST Friday against St Kilda, Adelaide had 403 disposals including 225 handballs but only went inside their attacking 50 a paltry 35 times. Competition averages would be around 50.
So much for high-possession, high-handball footy being a sure bet, or a winning game plan.
The current theory that every team must play like Geelong and copy the Cats’ flick-the-ball-around, high-handball style reminds me of a saying I once read:
“Most people follow the path that others have made. Leaders create the trail for others to follow.”
Unfortunately following the latest trends has always been a bad habit around the AFL world, a temptation at club level and even more at the game commentary level.
While plagiarising and pinching good ideas is smart it also means you are second to the ball when the aim is to get in front.
Geelong have been the dominant team for a couple of years and having over 200 handballs a game works magnificently for them.
Emulating this style is the current footy version of follow the leader.
I see no evidence that high-possession footy without the class of the Cats’ defence and midfield will increase the winning chances of lesser teams.
In fact unless decision-making and skill levels under pressure are extremely high, it will lead to constant turnovers and an increased chance of losing.
Adapting a game plan that suits your own personnel and strengths will always be a better policy than trying to be a carbon copy of the current power teams.
Always has been. Always will be.
