New rule to favour elite mids
GEELONG Falcons talent manager Mick Turner says rule changes in 2019 are set to favour teams with elite midfields.
The new 6-6-6 rule will force 12 players to start inside the arcs at each end at centre bounces, which Turner believes will favour clubs that boast the best on-ball brigades.
Turner said he had already begun discussions with AFL clubs about how the new rules might change the type of players that are drafted.
“It’s great to be playing the same rules as the AFL. It’s going to open up the game, make it more exciting,” he said.
“The players will be able to use their skills and carry the ball more. Every rule that’s instigated in the AFL will be done with us.
“We also like the rule that’s in the AFLW, bringing the boundary umpire in 10 metres to throw the ball in to create more space and get it away from the boundary line.
“That suits us. We get a bit of wind and you’re dealing with development umpires, so they can’t throw the ball in as deep as AFL umpires.”
Turner said the new 6-6-6 rule, which will also be complemented with the TAC Cup’s anti-density rule, would favour teams with strong midfield brigades, even at AFL level.
“The 6-6-6, the full-forward has got to start in the goal square and the other five forwards have got to start in the 50m, so it’s even a bit more pushed back than in our comp (last year),” Turner said.
“The two wingers have got to be on the wings, they can’t be defensive side.
“We’ll still have two players inside forward-50 and the other three inside our half of the ground (at stoppages).
“The idea is it opens up a lot of space for the midfielders.
“If you’ve got a really good, dominant midfield group that can clear the ball, it creates a massive advantage.”