As coach of a group sufferer to the AFL’s tackling crackdown, Sydney’s John Longmire says the league is asking “a hell of a lot” from gamers.
Swans co-captain Luke Parker returns to motion towards the Brisbane Lions on Friday night time after serving a one-match ban for a harmful deal with on Carlton star Sam Walsh.
The midfielder will play because the AFL struggles to wrangle security measures that vocal critics – lots of them previous gamers within the media – consider threaten to place the way forward for tackling in peril.
Longmire believes the crackdown asks gamers to reconcile two almost-contradictory objectives.
“We’re asking a hell of a lot from our players,” Longmire stated.
“There needs to be a level of intent to get hold of a player. Now you’re also asking him halfway through that tackle to be very careful and make sure he has a duty of care.
“It’s no shock that it isn’t proper on a regular basis.”
In an attempt to reduce the number of concussions in football, players are prohibited from tackling an opponent in a way that causes their head to hit the ground.
A growing number of players have been suspended, with Richmond’s Nathan Broad (four matches) copping the heaviest penalty so far this season.
Hawthorn captain James Sicily faces a three-match ban over a tackle that concussed Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage, which the defender claimed had followed the league’s safety advice.
While players’ safety is paramount, Longmire said this year’s crackdown has introduced a level of uncertainty for a Sydney team already stretched thin by injuries.
“We’ve stated to our gamers that we’re unsure what is going to occur,” he stated.
“It’s very arduous to outlaw accidents. It’s very arduous to outlaw the whole lot in soccer.”
The Swans head to the Gabba buoyed by Parker’s return for a clash with fourth-placed Brisbane, whose tall forward line could present a challenge to Sydney’s injury-hit backline.
But Longmire is confident his side can hold the Lions back.
“We’ve obtained an excellent ruckman who surges the ball ahead,” Longmire stated.
“If we go OK on stoppages and get some floor place, I believe we’ll be OK.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
