Melbournes' back of the square extras

[yebiga]

Been thinking about Melbournes extra men coming from the back of the square during the center bounce.

I think this tactic really limits the quick goal out of the middle and maybe a natural evolution to the AFL.

If you keep your forward structure - the opposition has a 8 v 6 advantage, whilst you retain a 4 v 6 advantage in your own defense.

It's something Melbourne appear to be doing more often this year.

do you counter it? How significant is it? Is it's only value in the slowing down of scoring for both teams. Or does it give them other advantages when going into attack from their back end.

 

[go you pups]

I've seen this tactic used regularly at grassroots, particularly at grounds that have oddly placed covered up cricket pitches which skew the placing of the centre circle, so whichever end is closest to the circle, they normally line up on

If you're part of the team with numbers behind the ball and win the centre clearance, the extra numbers basically become a swarm going forward and someone can easily pull the trigger from 50, works basically like what we do with the handball run and carry.

 

[Golden_6]

I noticed a few centre bounces we had 4 forwards with either a couple extra on the wings or a couple extra in our defence, leaving Melbourne with 6 v 4 in our forward line. It seemed to be something we were doing rather than Melbourne?

 

[flamethrower]

It is the AFL's version of Russian Roulette, and the reason why the Demons are such a feast or famine team. They often dominate for a period then go completely missing (or vice versa). Yesterday was Melbourne's 1st solid 4 quarter effort for the year - and it was an indictment on their opponents who for the 2nd straight week disgraced their colours.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

I've seen this tactic used regularly at grassroots, particularly at grounds that have oddly placed covered up cricket pitches which skew the placing of the centre circle, so whichever end is closest to the circle, they normally line up on

If you're part of the team with numbers behind the ball and win the centre clearance, the extra numbers basically become a swarm going forward and someone can easily pull the trigger from 50, works basically like what we do with the handball run and carry.

Yep use it a lot a local level. Easily stopped it's just a matter if stopping it hurts you more than it benefits you.

 

[grassman75]

Didn't they do it last year as well and call it the diamond or something?

I guess if they win the flag, the afl can outlaw it like third man up and make sure every player starts from a traditional position on the field!

 

[Dogs till i die]

Our inability to win a clear centre clearance on most occasions made this a very effective tool on Sunday so the Dees persisted with it. Winning clear clearances and kicking it over the heads of the rushing hordes would have neutralised its effectiveness and maybe changed the game. We've battled all season with clearances and I'm sure the Dees knew this. Still a bit cranky we didn't try to counter as it happened all day and their spare defenders helped them outnumber us quickly in the middle if no clearance was made.

 

[TMoney22]

Having a dominant tap ruckman would combat this. Our half forwards had no respect them sprinting into the midfield. They should of went with them, cut them off or body them out of position. Then we have an open forward line if we win the ball.

We would all back Dahlhaus, Libba or Bont to win a contested ball, but once they do and give it off, that player then had 2 melbourne half backs right up in his face. Again our half forwards should be reading that.