Discussion 2021: AFL Pre-Season Practice Matches & AAMI Community Series Discussion
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AFL pre-season news: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn put new man on the mark rule to the test in trial match
The AFL’s new man on the mark rule has passed its first test with flying colours with the first practice match of the pre-season delivering 44 scoring shots.
Despite widespread cynicism, there was not a single 50m penalty paid for moving on the mark or any significant confusion as Hawthorn pipped Western Bulldogs by 15 points at Whitten Oval on Wednesday.
Without some of the Hawks’ biggest names, onballer James Worpel and forward Luke Breust starred as wingman Connor Downie firmed for a Round 1 debut in the 15.7 (97) to 12.10 (82) win.
Importantly, there were many occasions on Wednesday where both teams were able to bypass the man on the mark and move the ball quickly on with a short pass to a teammate on the inside.
The only 50m penalty came when young Dog Ewan McPherson encroached on the protected area from the far side as Marcus Bontempelli stood motionless on the mark, resulting in a late James Cousins goal.
It was feared there would be a spate of early 50m penalties throughout the pre-season, creating farcical scenes, but the adjustment was seamless on Wednesday as AFL football boss Steve Hocking watched on.
It is a confidence-boosting tick for the league which introduced the rule without any trials in the state leagues in a desperate bid to make the game more free-flowing and increase scoring.
Teams only averaged 76 points a game last season (increased to normalised playing time) amid significant concerns congestion was suffocating the game and turning off fans.
But the man on the mark is now anchored to one spot until the umpire calls play on, giving the player in possession more scope to attack the game through the corridor.
Hawthorn assistant coach Chris Newman said the new rule had the desired effect in its first proper hitout.
“You can see it promotes more free-flowing football, because what it does is it opens up an avenue or a lane to be able to execute your kicks,” Newman said.
“So if the AFL are after a faster brand of footy, then you could see a little bit of that today.
“It is really hard to get a grasp on how it exactly will impact the competition, but the biggest thing is shaking the habit of being on the mark and being able to move both ways.
“Once you are in that position to stand you are basically a sitting duck so that’s the other thing is trying to explore ways you can defend as well as exploiting that rule.”
There was strong criticism of the rule on Tuesday after Essendon forward Kyle Langford was shown conceding a 50m penalty when he took two steps to the right in an intra-club game.
Port Adelaide great and commentator Kane Cornes said “It is unbelievable how bad this rule is. It is absolutely horrible viewing”.
But the league is confident hundreds of club visits and umpire consultations will ensure the players and whistleblowers are up to speed for the season-opener on March 18.
Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith said it would be tricky for the umpires but ultimately positive for the game.
“We have been practising that rule a little bit and it is hard for the umpires too,” Smith said.
“Are they keeping their eye on the ball — the guy with the ball? Or the man on the mark, which is really hard.
“I’m a defensive coach, so I don’t really want to see that many scoring shots but it was good for the game.”
Smith said the players on the mark had to fight their natural instincts to move and cut down angles for the person in possession.
“They are certainly getting used to standing still, which is probably ingrained in their nature,” Smith said.
“The first thing (you want to do) is to move on the mark, so standing still it is going to take a little bit of time, but the boys are getting used to it.”
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MATCH?
The young Hawks overcame a slow start to run over the top of the Bulldogs in an impressive start to the pre-season for the brown and gold.
Ultimately, Luke Breust and James Worpel were the two who dragged the Hawks back into the contest, but Alastair Clarkson would be happy with the signs from his youngsters including Oliver Hanrahan (three goals), midfielder James Cousins and first-year wingman Connor Downie.
Mitch Lewis nailed two majors and Tim O’Brien took some strong grabs in the absence of Jon Patton (personal).
It was a flat finish from the Dogs who had a stronger side on paper even without Jack Macrae and Aaron Naughton.
Tim English was excellent as a key forward, showing his mobility to reel in some high and low-down marks. Stef Martin competed hard in the ruck.
Marcus Bontempelli was one of the Dogs’ best but again struggled with his set shot kicking, missing one straightforward attempt from 20m out in front.
Caleb Daniel excelled in the back half.
Selection puzzle
First-year Hawk Connor Downie could step straight into a wing position following the departures of Tom Scully and Isaac Smith.
Downie had a big impact in the second term and showed he already has one of the most penetrating kicks on the team.
An exciting prospect who already has the physical strength to hold his own.
Former Crow Kyle Hartigan will also start at full back and was among the best players on Wednesday.
Changkuoth Jiath was busy rebounding from half back and is set for an early guernsey.
The Dogs have a healthy list at the moment but first-year forward-midfielder Lachie McNeil had some eye-catching moments and isn’t out of the running, while Anthony Scott is vying for a vacant list spot.
Adam Treloar (calf) and Jack Macrae (personal) sat out on Wednesday but are expected to be fit for Round 1.
In their absence Josh Dunkley was prominent in the engine room after his failed Essendon trade request, while Bailey Smith got going after a slow start. Naughton (corkie) should play next week.
Ones to watch
Ben McEvoy
Will return to the No. 1 ruck role after spending the year in a key defensive spot. As captain, that’s where the Hawks believe McEvoy can have the greatest impact, especially with Hartigan helping bolster the defence. Jon Ceglar had an average 2020 season and will float between ruck-forward. Hawks need to find another ruckman in the trade period or draft.
Tom Phillips
The former Collingwood wingman rolled up his sleeves in an onball role to help the fight in the engine room without Tom Mitchell. The busy Phillips certainly showcased his running power and looks set to win plenty of the ball in his hybrid role, after falling out of favour with the Magpies. Expect him to play 20 games.
Tim English
The Dogs are going for a big forward line in 2021. English was really encouraging on Wednesday snagging two goals playing predominantly forward. Aaron Naughton and Josh Bruce will join him in the forward set up for Round 1 meaning the Dogs will have plenty of tall marking options. Bruce took a strong contested mark but was in and out of the game.
Sidelined
Hawks
Chad Wingard (calf), Jack Gunston (back) and Tom Mitchell (shoulder) are all in doubt for Round 1. James Sicily (knee) will return later in the year as he recovers from a knee reconstruction.
Dogs
Aaron Naughton (corked leg) sat out as a precaution, while Adam Treloar (calf) is confident he will play in Round 1. Jack Macrae (personal) was absent on Wednesday. Toby Mclean (knee) and Easton Wood (hamstring) also missed. No. 1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan played in the reserves game in a sign he is not in the best 22 at this stage.
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Just a minor correction, good to see the players are quickly getting used to the man on the mark rule.
.........Despite widespread cynicism, there was not a single 50m penalty paid for moving on the mark or any significant confusion as Hawthorn pipped Western Bulldogs by 15 points at Whitten Oval on Wednesday...........The only 50m penalty came when young Dog Ewan McPherson encroached on the protected area from the far side as Marcus Bontempelli stood motionless on the mark, resulting in a late James Cousins goal..........
.........Despite widespread cynicism, there was not a single 50m penalty paid for moving on the mark or any significant confusion as Hawthorn pipped Western Bulldogs by 15 points at Whitten Oval on Wednesday...........The only 50m penalty came when young Dog Ewan McPherson encroached on the protected area from the far side as Marcus Bontempelli stood motionless on the mark, resulting in a late James Cousins goal..........
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Ok that’s good. The Bont one was actually out of the cameras screen, so viewers were only able to go by what the commentators thought it was paid for, and at the time they thought it was for the new rule.
That now makes it two full games that I’ve seen, Crows intra and Hawks/Dogs, where none of these new 50’s has been paid. I think the beat up about it is a bit over the top.
That now makes it two full games that I’ve seen, Crows intra and Hawks/Dogs, where none of these new 50’s has been paid. I think the beat up about it is a bit over the top.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...ac48b39e759e9f76f82bdd26b0?recommendedCount=0
Adam Saad’s first Carlton hit-out comes against his former teammates at Essendon, while St Kilda looks to impress against a new-look North Melbourne in Thursday’s practice matches. Follow live from 11am below!
With just one official AAMI Community Series match per club, all 18 teams have organised scratch matches which will be played behind closed doors.
Foxfooty.com.au will be live at the Blues’ clash with the Bombers from 11am, which is only being streamed for club members. The Kangaroos and Saints’ battle at Arden Street will be streamed for free on their club websites from midday.
Carlton co-captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty will both be out there at Ikon Park following off-season surgery.
But David Teague’s side has a lengthy injury list with less than a month until the season opener against Richmond. Nic Newman (knee), Charlie Curnow (knee), Caleb Marchbank (calf) and Brodie Kemp (foot) will all at least miss Round 1, while Eddie Betts (calf), Levi Casboult (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring) won’t feature in today’s practice match.
It’ll be a very different Essendon with five new faces to play for new senior coach Ben Rutten, including trade recruits Peter Wright, Jye Caldwell and Nick Hind, plus top-10 draftees Nik Cox and Archie Perkins.
The third member of the top-10 trio Zach Reid won’t play. Neither will Andrew McGrath, David Zaharakis or Jake Stringer.
Former West Coast father-son Alec Waterman was given a late call-up into the Essendon side, having trained with them during the off-season.
It’s a strong sign he will be heavily considered for a list spot, having missed two years of footy with a long-term illness. He won Claremont’s best and fairest with 26 goals in 10 games last WAFL season.
From midday, St Kilda will begin its quest for back-to-back finals campaigns against a North Melbourne side many are tipping as wooden spoon contenders.
The Saints will have six new faces in their line-up, including Jack Higgins, James Frawley promising mature-age pick-up Tom Highmore and star recruit Brad Crouch - who is suspended for the first two rounds of the season after being caught with an illicit substance late last year.
Delisted forward Mason Wood will also play against his old side.
North Melbourne will unveil three draftees with Tom Powell (pick 13), Charlie Lazzaro (pick 36) and Eddie Forward (pick 56), but top pick Will Phillips won’t play.
New Kangaroos coach David Noble said on Wednesday his side would also be without Ben Cunnington (concussion) and Todd Goldstein (ribs).
Trade period recruits Jaidyn Stephenson, Atu Bosenavulagi, Lachie Young and Connor Menadue are likely to feature.
Adam Saad’s first Carlton hit-out comes against his former teammates at Essendon, while St Kilda looks to impress against a new-look North Melbourne in Thursday’s practice matches. Follow live from 11am below!
With just one official AAMI Community Series match per club, all 18 teams have organised scratch matches which will be played behind closed doors.
Foxfooty.com.au will be live at the Blues’ clash with the Bombers from 11am, which is only being streamed for club members. The Kangaroos and Saints’ battle at Arden Street will be streamed for free on their club websites from midday.
Carlton co-captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty will both be out there at Ikon Park following off-season surgery.
But David Teague’s side has a lengthy injury list with less than a month until the season opener against Richmond. Nic Newman (knee), Charlie Curnow (knee), Caleb Marchbank (calf) and Brodie Kemp (foot) will all at least miss Round 1, while Eddie Betts (calf), Levi Casboult (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring) won’t feature in today’s practice match.
It’ll be a very different Essendon with five new faces to play for new senior coach Ben Rutten, including trade recruits Peter Wright, Jye Caldwell and Nick Hind, plus top-10 draftees Nik Cox and Archie Perkins.
The third member of the top-10 trio Zach Reid won’t play. Neither will Andrew McGrath, David Zaharakis or Jake Stringer.
Former West Coast father-son Alec Waterman was given a late call-up into the Essendon side, having trained with them during the off-season.
It’s a strong sign he will be heavily considered for a list spot, having missed two years of footy with a long-term illness. He won Claremont’s best and fairest with 26 goals in 10 games last WAFL season.
From midday, St Kilda will begin its quest for back-to-back finals campaigns against a North Melbourne side many are tipping as wooden spoon contenders.
The Saints will have six new faces in their line-up, including Jack Higgins, James Frawley promising mature-age pick-up Tom Highmore and star recruit Brad Crouch - who is suspended for the first two rounds of the season after being caught with an illicit substance late last year.
Delisted forward Mason Wood will also play against his old side.
North Melbourne will unveil three draftees with Tom Powell (pick 13), Charlie Lazzaro (pick 36) and Eddie Forward (pick 56), but top pick Will Phillips won’t play.
New Kangaroos coach David Noble said on Wednesday his side would also be without Ben Cunnington (concussion) and Todd Goldstein (ribs).
Trade period recruits Jaidyn Stephenson, Atu Bosenavulagi, Lachie Young and Connor Menadue are likely to feature.
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