The games been going to s**t for years. Im 28 and its not the same game I grew up watching as a kid. Everything I enjoyed about the game as a kid has been either sanitised or coached out of the game.
High marking, Torpedoes, Big bumps, Fights, Rivalries, Full Forwards, Attacking footy, Shepherding One on One etc
All been replaced with Themed rounds, Congestion, Forwards bringing the ball to ground, Men behind the ball, Banning of all bumps, Hybrid forwards, Zoning etc.
The AFL has turned into a ******* drama series, all of the shows spend equal time talking about social issues, rules, suspensions etc than they do actually celebrating the game.
I’m enjoying the game, but what you describe does sound like a better product.