Been watching some Retro games on Foxtel and the change becomes Very apparent - the ability to create attacking opportunity (Without) a set play back in the late 90's was great on the eyes and allowed the players to use their Natural ability.
The structured plays in recent years has become so mundane that we simply accept it because its just....how it is, all about stats and winning possession.
I love my footy so not bagging what I wait for every weekend, just the unpredictability and the fact players could use their natural footy ability rather than play like robots, really is refreshing to see.
There were great backline movements on early tackles, plenty of support runners (Leaving their position) to hit a hole rather than (You must stay here), the tackling technique was also better - the players did not wrestle for several seconds dancing around....more a copybook legs tackle with a shot over the top to wrap up the ball.
I think now the game has changed, the most valuable players will be those who can create from nothing - Thurston, DCE, Moylan types who have an instinctive footy brain and the legs to back it up, where as many young halves coming through look very much caught up in controlling a game and setting up field position.....they will put you in a winning position but are not game breakers and in truth, I find the exciting part of footy those rare moments when players change the momentum of a game with that moment of daring, skillful play.
The hits were also very raw and some of the efforts of the smaller players like Toovey could really give these young players coming through some lessons on how to tackle.
The physical side of the game seems lost when watching these 46 - 32 Holden cup games, good entertaining spectacle but at times its like touch footy and these are tomorrows NRL players....maybe why many touted as "Stars" don't cut it at top level....defence starts and finishes with attitude, technique and body position is important but if its not gunna happen in your head first - the tackle becomes half hearted and the miss ratio go's up big time.
Anyone who gets an opportunity to jump on and watch these old games on Fox, will not be disappointed with the action...
The structured plays in recent years has become so mundane that we simply accept it because its just....how it is, all about stats and winning possession.
I love my footy so not bagging what I wait for every weekend, just the unpredictability and the fact players could use their natural footy ability rather than play like robots, really is refreshing to see.
There were great backline movements on early tackles, plenty of support runners (Leaving their position) to hit a hole rather than (You must stay here), the tackling technique was also better - the players did not wrestle for several seconds dancing around....more a copybook legs tackle with a shot over the top to wrap up the ball.
I think now the game has changed, the most valuable players will be those who can create from nothing - Thurston, DCE, Moylan types who have an instinctive footy brain and the legs to back it up, where as many young halves coming through look very much caught up in controlling a game and setting up field position.....they will put you in a winning position but are not game breakers and in truth, I find the exciting part of footy those rare moments when players change the momentum of a game with that moment of daring, skillful play.
The hits were also very raw and some of the efforts of the smaller players like Toovey could really give these young players coming through some lessons on how to tackle.
The physical side of the game seems lost when watching these 46 - 32 Holden cup games, good entertaining spectacle but at times its like touch footy and these are tomorrows NRL players....maybe why many touted as "Stars" don't cut it at top level....defence starts and finishes with attitude, technique and body position is important but if its not gunna happen in your head first - the tackle becomes half hearted and the miss ratio go's up big time.
Anyone who gets an opportunity to jump on and watch these old games on Fox, will not be disappointed with the action...
