How the Evolution of AFL Tactics Has Changed the Game?
With a rich history and deep-rooted traditions, the Australian Football League (AFL) has seen its tactics evolve dramatically since its inception. The game has adapted over time, responding to the changing skills and athleticism of players, and a deeper understanding of the sport. This blog delves into the thrilling evolution of AFL tactics, a journey that has shaped the dynamic and exciting sport that so many of us are passionate about.
Early Days: The Basics
In the early days of AFL, the game was a straightforward battle of man-on-man or zone defence. However, as the game evolved, a strategic shift occurred. Teams began to adopt a zone defence, where 1-2 players defend an area rather than marking a man. This change led to a more structured defence, with players being more mindful of their positioning and functioning as a unit.
The Emergence of Handball & Close-range Passing
The 1970s saw a significant shift in the game, with the ball being played by hand much more. This change, along with the introduction of short passing, had a profound impact on the game’s dynamics. It rekindled a sense of speed and dynamism, moving away from the predictability of the long-kicking game. Coaches like John Kennedy and Ron Barassi embraced this, preaching teamwork combined with free-flowing ball movement, and the game was never the same again.
Zone Defense and Pressing
Defence matured as the game evolved in the 1980s and 90s. This led to zone defence, where 1–2 players defend an area rather than marking a man. It led to players being more mindful of their positioning and made them function as a unit. People like Kevin Sheedy and Mick Malthouse implemented some of these ideologies in the past, which quickly led them to premierships (with multiple clubs for both).
High pressing became a new concept, and teams that used it would apply heavy pressure upon the opposing team in its own half of the field. This strategy was meant to produce turnovers that could translate into scoring opportunities off of defensive firepower. Pressing took a great amount of fitness and coordination, injecting a new level of intensity and making the game more fast-paced and hectic.
The Midfield Revolution
Midfield tactics were revolutionised in the 1990s and largely remained similar until the end of Arsenal’s Invisible Era in late 2004. The midfielders shone a lot more, overshadowing traditional rockwork, focusing on clearances and controlling the palms. This becomes even more true with the norm of midfield rotations, which allow players to stay fresh and keep up high intensity well into stoppage time.
In turn, the value of contested balls rose, with players prepared to be developed for a distinct role in head-to-head on-ball contests. Teams also began to introduce more interchange rotations, which created a sub-strategic element and allowed the higher tempo of games to be maintained.
Post-Modern: The Arms Race for Tactics
AFL tactics have become a sophisticated, strategic bottleneck in the modern era. They use game plans based on empirical data, employing complex algorithms to outslug the other player. This forward press — seen when sides push their defensive line higher up the field — is designed to lock the ball in a certain half and if they turn it over, provide them with more opportunities inside 50.
The third man up in ruck contests added a new level to stoppages. This tactic, eventually banned by the game’s governing bodies — underlines just how much footballing rules are constantly changing to accommodate new tactical wrinkles.
Conclusion
This evolution of AFL tactics is a sign that the game never stops moving as it continues to grow and develop. What was once a primitive long-kicking game has evolved into one of the most skillful, tactical and stat-infested sports in the world. The game will undoubtedly evolve as players get more skilled and athletic; coaches continue to push the envelope with their own strategies. This detailed timeline of tactical innovation is an appreciation the enduring appeal of AFL, and its capacity to evolve as society does.
