Essendon vs Carlton r1 NAB Cup

[Tippaz]

I was pleased with what i saw from both teams.
My main concern is the new 'in the back' rule (costing us the game ) which could destroy footy. I hate seeing soft free kicks in front of goal, especiallly when it's just a simple hand touching the back of an opponent. If there's a distinctive pushout creating a disadvantage, then by all means pay a freekick. But a simple touch will only encourage forwards to stage for frees... BRENDON FEVOLA...(cough, cough).

A look at my hot prospects:
James Hird - he was okay, but don't read anything into that. He won't have to worry about preseason games ever again.
Dustin Fletcher - seemed to play a stock standard role at CHB. I'm not happy about that all, because i was hoping to see Kepler Bradley take that position. early signs, not good.
Mark McVeigh - got his chance in the midfield and blew it, but i haven't given up on him. He may get some midfield chances yet, and that's all i've been hoping for.
Damien Peverill - looked good actually. Got his share of midfield opportunity. He could have a good season.
Alwyn Davey - you beauty!! went much better than i expected. 8 tackles, they said. i'll be checking his stats tomorrow.
Andrew Walker - promising signs. he's in the right position (half-back-flank) but needs to find more footy.
Marc Murphy - star!!
Bryce Gibbs - maybe not as good as Marc Murphy last year, but a star!
Jarrad Waite - very disappointing. don't get me wrong - he played a very good game - allbeit, at CHB (No-oooooooooooooo). You can cross him off the list.
Cain Ackland - didn't notice him, but appears to be Carlton's no.1 choice ruckman at this stage. Keep an eye on him.

[Dozer]

Didn't see the game last night so can't really comment but anyone see the irony in this comment by an Essendon supporter

Originally Posted by Tippaz

But a simple touch will only encourage forwards to stage for frees... BRENDON FEVOLA...(cough, cough).

Your captain hasn't needed any encouragement so far in his career.

[peterfitz]

Skill levels were disappointing. Pretty good signs from both teams though. A few of the younger prospects did well.

I don't like the new 'in the back' rule. Not just because Fevola benefitted from the rule but I think it'll take away another physical aspect of the game and make it too easy for forwards. I want to see a fast leading full forward with the full back putting as much physical pressure on the mark as possible.

I felt sorry for Gaspar in the Tigers game too. All the frees were probably there under the new rule but it's WAY too soft in my opinion

And yes, I used to be a full back.
I HATE soft frees!

[PAFC]

I want to see a fast leading full forward with the full back putting as much physical pressure on the mark as possible.

You obviously don't want that. You're basically saying a full back can blatantly push a player in the back and do anything he can do to stop him from marking it. So what you want is no real 'soft' frees but not being able to blatantly push in the back. So where do you draw the line? It's a tough rule to umpire and it's varying too much in different games.

[peterfitz]

A blatant push in the back is a free. Holding the opponent is also a free.

I suppose they've made the rule change so there's a clear black and white decision for the umpires to make and get more consistency with the decisions.

A good kick always gives the forward the advantage and it will take a great effort from the defender to stop the mark.

A bad kick will now have a huge chance of being paid as a free kick because the forward will have to change his stride to re-adjust his leap at the ball. What can the defender do? It's natural to stick the hand out if you're going to run into someone and this will give a free kick to the opponent. It has nothing to do with a deliberate attempt to push the opponent, but is actually caused by the forward changing stride.

Skills will become less important and strong marking will also become less important.

Physical contests and skills should be encouraged in my opinion.