30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

[bulldogtragic]

What's going on with the game? Not long ago getting a lead over 5 goals was enough to rest easy, or consign yourself to a loss, not anymore. Anyone have an idea why?

[Twodogs]

Re: 30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

Teams do seem to score quickly when the momentum changes.

[Bornadog]

Re: 30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

Footballers are faster, more athletic aad better kicks than the good old days, and therefore they are able to move the ball very quickly from one end to the other.

A bit of momentum and next thing you know 5 goals.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: 30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

Does that mean teams can not defend well enough then? I agree the scoring ability is improved, but why can't teams defend well enough?

[comrade]

Re: 30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

Does that mean teams can not defend well enough then? I agree the scoring ability is improved, but why can't teams defend well enough?

The change in HTB interpretation might have a butterfly effect. If teams can just propel the ball forward without a legitimate disposal, it's easier to break away and pepper the attacking 50. Teams then go defensive, make mistakes under pressure and all of a sudden, there's 5 goals kicked in a row where previously, a free kick here or there might have stifled the momentum.

I could be off base but the two may be correlated.

[GVGjr]

Re: 30+ Point Leads Aren't What They Used To Be

A lot of teams have lost the ability to play tempo footy and can't close out quarters or play tight for 5 or 10 minutes.
We see the same in cricket where batsman are still playing their shots in the last over of a session.

I think it's a reflection on how they are coached and that the leaders or senior players on the field can't really control things as well as we think they should be able to.