AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

[G-Mo77]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

I only watched bits and pieces of the game (amazing comeback from Melbourne United in the NBL, but I digress), but I swear Grundy crossed the centre line just before the ball hit the turf at one centre bounce which should be a free against?

Did you go to the NBL game. Really poor timeslot for a regional fan. Anyway I was thinking wasted season with 5 minutes to spare and then boom. Amazing comeback!

[Axe Man]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

Did you go to the NBL game. Really poor timeslot for a regional fan. Anyway I was thinking wasted season with 5 minutes to spare and then boom. Amazing comeback!

No I didn't although friends did from down my way. It was lucky it was half time at the footy otherwise I would have turned it over at 16 points down with about 7? minutes left in the game.

[Axe Man]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

Do Melbourne get anyone back besides Pickett next week?

They could bring in Ben Brown or Tom McDonald if they want but Hunter, McAdam and Petty won't be ready going by their injury report. Bowey could also be out after being subbed off with a shoulder injury.

Link

[Before I Die]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

They now permit a straight arm block provided they still contest for the ball.

Allows the ruckman to effetively take the space away from the opponent.

So, effectively they?ve removed the Luke Darcy rule. About bloody time. From descriptions of Sam Darcy?s practice game in the ruck, it sounds like Luke has been in his ear. Luke used to dominate with this tactic before they changed the rule.

[JanLorMill]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

Most of you underrated the Swans. I thought that they would win.

Grundy was terrific. Add in Parker, Mills and Adams, and they will be an interesting side.

Last season, I thought Gawn had lost something and father time was catching up with him. Perhaps tonight might be the start of his slide.

Not sure that?s the case. I think most people overrated Melbourne and underrated the influence Grundy would have. Melbourne were woeful. When they had the play early they couldn?t score. They will now probably smash us next week.

[JanLorMill]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

There has been a change of rules and Grundy and the Swans worked out how to best use it. McLean also did okay with it.

What is the new rule? I thought you aren?t allowed to cross until the ump releases the ball. Some were real border line frees.

[Bornadog]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

What is the new rule? I thought you aren?t allowed to cross until the ump releases the ball. Some were real border line frees.

this

They now permit a straight arm block provided they still contest for the ball.

Allows the ruckman to effectively take the space away from the opponent.

[JanLorMill]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

So, effectively they?ve removed the Luke Darcy rule. About bloody time. From descriptions of Sam Darcy?s practice game in the ruck, it sounds like Luke has been in his ear. Luke used to dominate with this tactic before they changed the rule.

It’s more like removing the Dempsey/Moore rule of separating the rucks with a line.
It was close to a free a lot of the time but it great ruck work by Grundy. To be able target Gawn then compete for the tap was brilliant.
They smashed Gawn all night and at the end he was spent

[JanLorMill]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

this

However you could have done what Grundy was doing last year. Whether he used his elbows or not helped a little maybe but crossing the line early was the difference.

[weltschmerz]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

Really hope it's at least a bit damp when we play Melbourne. They're shit in the wet.

[Bornadog]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

I think Brisbane should win easily tonight

[mjp]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

However you could have done what Grundy was doing last year. Whether he used his elbows or not helped a little maybe but crossing the line early was the difference.

Yeah - I'm not understanding how the rule change enabled Grundy in any way yet that seems to be the narrative.

Wasn't the rule change a simple one? Whereas the rucks were only allowed to block/hold position with a 'bent' arm, now they can do it whether their arm is bent or straight (just like in a marking contest). I thought Grundy had simply decided - and he would have had enough practice! - that a run and jump approach vs Gawn would not be successful so he separated Gawn from the contest (physically) and turned it into a bit of a slog.

As for suggestions he crossed the line before the ball was bounced...well. you're not allowed to exit the 10m circle or cross the line into your attacking half before the ball is bounced but I never saw him do that.

Grundy is a good player. I think what happened last night is why so many fans were disappointed he joined Melbourne - rather than joining forces with Gawn, he should have been getting his own band together and taking Gawn on. And (hopefully for him) really impacting vs his old team who quite honestly have no answers for a player of his calibre at his best. He seemed pretty close to his best last night.

Sydney were way better than I thought - no Parker, no Mills, no Adams...against a top 4 side from a year ago and no problems? WOW.

[Grantysghost]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

The only q is whether he crossed the line prior to the ball leaving the umps hands.
Some were close! Who actually monitors that.

[JanLorMill]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

The only q is whether he crossed the line prior to the ball leaving the umps hands.
Some were close! Who actually monitors that.

I’m all for it. Back to the old days.
It was proper ruck work, rather than the tallest guy or best jump winning it.

[jDogs]

Re: AFL 2024 Round Zero discussion

If it was tennis, Grundy may have had one or two foot faults called against him, super close on a couple of occasions... watch them nab someone for it if they try it on in the upcoming games. I thought Gawn looked like a deer in headlights, he had no idea what to do with it. Ironically, he probably could have utilised the new rule and straight armed Grundy when he came charging at him.