The AFL announced on Wednesday a new zoning rule would be introduced to Victoria's state competition for the 2021 season, requiring three players inside forward 50 at all stoppages, with one player in the goal square.
But it has caught the attention of Echuca co-coach Andrew Walker for all the wrong reasons.
“It concerns me seeing a rule introduced which is counter to the way football is played,” Walker said.
“In terms of development, we want guys to play their natural game, to see them play with their natural flare. Look at a player like Gus Byrne (who has played VFL for Geelong).
“His natural game is rarely stuck in the forward line. He's a hard working guy who gets up the ground and is regularly in our defensive end.
“And that's what we want to see him do at any level because it's what makes him a great footballer.
“To put a rule in place — especially at the higher level — that takes away a player's natural flare and ability, I will never understand it.”
Former Echuca and Bendigo Pioneers coach and current Williamstown assistant coach Brett Henderson also expressed concerns over the impact the changes will have on those still seeking a chance at AFL level.
Henderson said the new rule changes could stop up-and-coming players from showing their full capability.
“We see a lot of high half-forwards whose strength is moving up and down the ground,” Henderson said.
“Suddenly those kind of players are being told that for parts of the game, they have no choice but to stand inside 50 instead of around the contest and not participate.
“I'd use (former Moama and Williamstown player) Lachie Schultz as an example. He could get up to the ball, act almost as another midfielder and use his pressure to create.
“He played that role incredibly well. He was getting heaps of the football and recruiters noticed it, so he ended up in the AFL as a mature aged player.
“I wonder with this scenario if a player like Lachie gets to have the same impact.”
The rules have been introduced to lower congestion around the ball and increase scoring rates.
But Walker said the Goulburn Valley League was a strong example of how the game could naturally adapt without changing the rules.
“Our umpires are fantastic,” Walker said.
“They will interpret a rule a certain way, but they'll talk to the players and we will give them our opinion on their interpretation.
“As the season goes on, we adapt as players and the umpires adapt too and so the rule works and the game flows naturally.
“It's a testament to the umpires that they work with the players to make the game better to play and to watch.”
8°C