Dog says 6-6-6 rule will make life easier

WESTERN Bulldogs captain Easton Wood has dismissed concerns the new 6-6-6 rule spells doom for defenders.

The commonly held belief is that the introduction of set positions at centre bounces will thrust backmen into more one-on-one situations and therefore make them vulnerable. Hawthorn stopper James Sicily this week said his job had become more difficult because of “so much space”.

But Wood believes the new rule will simplify things.

“Initially, at each centre bounce I think it makes it easier so I’m quite excited,” Wood said. “It’s great because it’s always going to be six versus six.”

Wood has spent the preseason preparing for life in defence after last year’s forward line experiment gone wrong.

He said the complex strategies in the modern game meant a 6-6-6 rule stripped it all back.

“Normally, teams are playing tricks like playing ‘push throughs’ or wingers are sliding down or whatever, so when you go out there as a defender you’re always counting the numbers,” Wood said.

“You’re constantly trying to figure out where the forwards are going because normally the highest forward can push in and join the midfield or they go the whole way around and rip through.

“So this isn’t going to make too much difference. Right at the start it makes it easier for us, I believe.”