As with all things the game goes through cycles of rules, changes and counters etc.
The current one that we haven't seen in the game for a while now finding it's way back is the late drag on biceps/shoulders of opponents attempting pack marks.
Dragging players arms down used to get used a lot many years ago but the game got on top of it.
The counter developed was smashing into the outstretched arms while pretending to punch the ball but the game got on top of that as well with the "arm chop" in marking contest getting called more.
Going through all the teams now I can see more regular usage of an old favourite somewhat "modernised"a little. It's become a more "educated" and specified version of the arm pull involving making sure your hand stays above the elbow at bicep or shoulder level only and you leave it late.
You don't get called for early holding, you don't arm chop and it looks like the marker has got the mark for sure when suddenly they lose enough control of one arm stability and drop it. The umps don't see a big arm spread that gives it away. You pull down on the shoulder or bicep only, enough to make them spill the mark and much tougher for umps to call as they don't see a big arm split.
Of course this stuff has been around for ages, hence coaches always looking for forwards with "strong Hands/Arms" etc it's just I've really noticed it has grown in usage a lot more lately and the umps/AFL have not responded yet. Hawks started doing more of it last year (still the league trend setters in finding new/improved body on body ideas) and the rest of the league has picked up on it now. If the AFL wants more contested and high marks etc with multiple arms up then it's going to have to be called more again. It's pretty much become the go to against Liam Ryan for the eagles as his shoulder is easy to move and opponents simply can't get up high enough to spoil otherwise. An obvious example for those looking was Jack Darling late against the Saints tonight. You can even see Darling and Kennedy discussing it in the rooms straight after the game.
I only name those because the Eagles have just finished but there's plenty around for each teams own marking forwards supporters to pick up on.
It's a growing trend and the umps will have to start calling it and watching it more. It's a more difficult one to spot so it'll be a challenge.
The current one that we haven't seen in the game for a while now finding it's way back is the late drag on biceps/shoulders of opponents attempting pack marks.
Dragging players arms down used to get used a lot many years ago but the game got on top of it.
The counter developed was smashing into the outstretched arms while pretending to punch the ball but the game got on top of that as well with the "arm chop" in marking contest getting called more.
Going through all the teams now I can see more regular usage of an old favourite somewhat "modernised"a little. It's become a more "educated" and specified version of the arm pull involving making sure your hand stays above the elbow at bicep or shoulder level only and you leave it late.
You don't get called for early holding, you don't arm chop and it looks like the marker has got the mark for sure when suddenly they lose enough control of one arm stability and drop it. The umps don't see a big arm spread that gives it away. You pull down on the shoulder or bicep only, enough to make them spill the mark and much tougher for umps to call as they don't see a big arm split.
Of course this stuff has been around for ages, hence coaches always looking for forwards with "strong Hands/Arms" etc it's just I've really noticed it has grown in usage a lot more lately and the umps/AFL have not responded yet. Hawks started doing more of it last year (still the league trend setters in finding new/improved body on body ideas) and the rest of the league has picked up on it now. If the AFL wants more contested and high marks etc with multiple arms up then it's going to have to be called more again. It's pretty much become the go to against Liam Ryan for the eagles as his shoulder is easy to move and opponents simply can't get up high enough to spoil otherwise. An obvious example for those looking was Jack Darling late against the Saints tonight. You can even see Darling and Kennedy discussing it in the rooms straight after the game.
I only name those because the Eagles have just finished but there's plenty around for each teams own marking forwards supporters to pick up on.
It's a growing trend and the umps will have to start calling it and watching it more. It's a more difficult one to spot so it'll be a challenge.
Last edited:
