WAY TO **** UP THE GAME, AFL

[Riewoldting]

One of the greatest things about our game is how hard the players are.

The fact that they are able to gut run for 100m, take a hanger, ride a bump and slot a goal from 40m on the run gives us all pleasure and pride in our code.

This decision will be remembered as THE DECISION which marked a seismic shift in the way the game is played.

The AFL has effectively sanctioned diving. Players 50m from the play will have no hesitation in throwing themselves to the ground in the hope of winning a free kick.

Players closer to the ball will not lay bumps or shepherds, lest their opponent smash into them and they find themselves suspended for four weeks.

You will now start to see players ACTIVELY AVOIDING CONTACT WITH AN OPPONENT.

This is AT ALL LEVELS, not just at AFL level. Governing bodies in all states, from juniors through to amateur leagues, will instruct their umpires and tribunal members accordingly. The precedent has been set.

This is not incremental change, or evolution of the game. This is GENERATIONAL CHANGE. The current administration is thinking long-term and empire building. This isn't about Baker or St Kilda per se. They have a vision for the future, and this is all part of the great Twenty-Five Year Plan for Australian Football, commissioned by the AFL.

Mark my words, in five years we will be wondering what happened to that brilliant sport we once knew, and despite all the bullshite rules changes and interpretation up until now, THIS will be the one we recognise as ruining football.

[St. Luke]

Sad but oh so true!

[aussierules0k]

[carn_sainter]

i dont think that's true

players will still bump and block around the ball, just not off the ball

plus, this decision/iddue really isn't seen as being that great outside of saints fans...we're up in arms about it, but nobody else really cares