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Background All rule changes that have been introduced to the AFL have some impact. Some rule changes address the intended (perceived) issue. An example is the not having to wait for the goal umpire to signal a goal to kick out. It was introduced to keep the game moving and to make it less difficult to clear the defensive zone. And i think has been relatively successful in achieving these aims. Certainly offensive teams would rather a boundary throw in in the forward pocket than score a point. Another example of a rule change that addresses the intended issue has been the deliberate out of bounds rule adjustment where players have to make every attempt to keep it in. There are less kicks to the boundary line now wit the result that the ball stay in play more. Some rule changes have mixed results in terms of addressing the intended issue, outlawing the third man up rule being one example. And some rule changes don't address the intended issue at all. The below the knees rule is good example. It was introduced to reduce the risk of injury - specifically leg injuries- but i think you could mount a case it has increased risk as players are staging for it and the schmuck going for the ball gets bot in his head for his trouble. Think Angus Brayshw against the Hawks However, whether rule changes are effective, partly effective or ineffective there will always, to a greater or lesser degree, be unintended consequences of rule changes. For example with the change to deliberate team will sometime concede that free kick but try and kick 60 meters and then set up their defence. And players are getting better kicking 'for touch' and my feeling is players are more often spiking the ball over the lien as that (stupidly) doesn't get paid as deliberate. Often the unintended consequence is related to how it is governed - eg the stupidity of having to nominate ruck man - or how it is interpreted - eg deliberate or below the knees Discussion This year there are 9 rule changes. A big number by any measure. I'm curious what posters think the impact of the new rule changes will be on both the dees and the competition as a whole. On the latter point one thing i would like to get a handle on is the impact on scoring. One clear objective of the introduction of these rule is higher scoring. The strong trend to lower scores is a real worry for the AFL and these rules aim to address that trend Note: i'm not convinced by the rule changes. But my interest here is not whether they are good rule changes but what the impact will be. That said i understand much will depend on implementation and interpretation, so interested in views on that too as that will be factor in the success of the rule change. I have had a go at answering the question of impact and potential implementation and interpretation issues for the first rule change - and keen on other's views (for that rule change and the others). At some point i'll come back to the others and edit this post to include my thoughts (have run out of time atm) Note: i understand this is obviously a hypothetical exercise and we won't really know the impact until the end of the season. So guesses are just that and the impacts are all by definition potential impacts. The changes Traditional playing positions at centre bounces Clubs must have six players inside both 50m arcs, with one player inside the goalsquare. Four midfield players must start inside the centre square with the two wingmen stationed along the wing. Impact on competition: will create an even greater reward and therefore incentive to get center clearances and quick forward entries Will stop teams putting a spare behind the ball at centre bounces (though the 'wingman' will be able to roll back easily enough) - but obviously this will still occur in play Will the above put an emphasis on good one on on defenders such as McGovern? The teams with the best midfields will be even further advantaged Will help the best tap ruck man - Gawn, Grundy, Martin Might marginally take away some advantage of skilled intercept players like rance (in so far as teams can't have spare at centre bounces) Might we see the return of the specialized wingman? Likely to be some defensive and offensive innovations in terms of set ups and structure at center bounces Will the 'wingers' set just outside the 50 metre arc and fold back in as n extra defender? Impact on dees: We are already the highest scoring team - we will be harder to stop now Will stop Goody running two extra defenders off the HB (which he was doing less of anyway) Suits our contested ball winning midfield beasts We have the best tap ruck man - Gawn Might create some opportunity for Hunt, KK, Fritter and Stretch to play as specialized wingman May might be helped by 6 v 6 at centre bounce set up given his strength Potential implementation and interpretation issues: It might be easier said then done to determine if bot tams have their sick inside the arc if they start pushing right up the line Centre clearances straight from the ball up don't happen all that often so it may not have the impact the league is hoping for in terms of stopping teams putting players behind the ball Kick-ins At kick-ins, a player will no longer need to kick to himself to play on from the goal square. Following a behind, the man on the mark will be brought out to 10m from the top of the goal square, rather than the existing five metres. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Marks and free kicks in defence When defenders mark or receive a free kick within nine metres of their own goal, the man on the mark will be brought in line with the top of the goalsquare. Runners and water carriers Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Team runners may only enter the playing surface after a goal has been kicked and must exit before play restarts. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Water carriers are not permitted to enter the playing surface during live play. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Umpire contact Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at centre bounces. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : 50m penalties The player with the ball: Must be allowed to advance the mark by 50m without the infringing player delaying the game. Will be able to play on while the 50m penalty is being measured out. Kicking for goal after the siren Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : A player who has been awarded a mark or free kick once play has ended: Will now be able to kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick BUT must kick the ball directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Marking contests The 'hands in the back’ rule interpretation has been repealed so a player can now: Place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a marking contest PROVIDED he does not push his opponent in the back. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues : Ruck contests: prior opportunity A ruckman who takes direct possession of the ball from a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had prior opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated ruckman, the ruckman for each team will still be required to nominate to the field umpire. Impact on competition: Impact on dees: Potential implementation and interpretation issues :

Hey @binman - great thread but I thought I'd condense all the rule changes into a block. Many are unaware of the changes (at least in detail) so here's the overview. Traditional playing positions at centre bounces Clubs must have six players inside both 50m arcs, with one player inside the goalsquare. Four midfield players must start inside the centre square with the two wingmen stationed along the wing. Kick-ins At kick-ins, a player will no longer need to kick to himself to play on from the goal square. Following a behind, the man on the mark will be brought out to 10m from the top of the goal square, rather than the existing five metres. Marks and free kicks in defence When defenders mark or receive a free kick within nine metres of their own goal, the man on the mark will be brought in line with the top of the goalsquare. Runners and Water carriers Team runners may only enter the playing surface after a goal has been kicked and must exit before play restarts. Umpire contact Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at centre bounces. 50m penalties The player with the ball: Must be allowed to advance the mark by 50m without the infringing player delaying the game. Will be able to play on while the 50m penalty is being measured out. Kicking for goal after the siren A player who has been awarded a mark or free kick once play has ended: Will now be able to kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick But must kick the ball directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal. Marking contests The 'hands in the back’ rule interpretation has been repealed so a player can now: Place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a marking contest Provided he does not push his opponent in the back. Ruck contests: prior opportunity A ruckman who takes direct possession of the ball from a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had prior opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated ruckman, the ruckman for each team will still be required to nominate to the field umpire.

The Preuss and Maxy tandem with one in our goal square at centre bounces, is a nightmare for most oppositions. We’re clearing at 60% kick long and deep... if leadup blocked. We will destroy many teams this season, Goodwin and the FD have read the rule changes well and recruited to our significant advantage, i.e. Kolo for wing, Hunt becomes a weapon from kick ins where the player can now just play on... etc interesting times.

Surely 666 will suit the Demons !!

We also previously saw a lot of forwards playing from behind using their hands. I see it as cheating and don't like it at all. But you're spot on rjay, they cleaned up the rule and now they've opened up the rule to be exploited again. What are the chances that they un-repeal the new new rule? ? Use your body, use your forearm, use your knees - but not your hands. One thing I can almost guarantee - the new rule is going to cause angst for the lack of consistency. And with grey areas such as these, you will never get consistency. The sport is difficult enough to officiate now. The other changes I'm ok with although the ruckman having to nominate themselves seems a bit overly officious.

One issue with the 666 starting formation will be IMO a greater importance to the role of the ruckman (and may be why we have recruited Preuss to play alongside Gawn - something I have concerns about), a good tap ruckman who can give his midfielders first use of the ball and a quick entry into the 50 will be worth the weight in gold. On that, quality contested marks in the forward 50 will be of even more importance due to many of the clearances being long and direct forward 50 entries. This rule has the potential of being enormously beneficial to the Demons

I understand the scepticism re Spargo. He has weaknesses. He's easily knocked off the ball and one on ones are a real challenge for him given his size. His kicking lacks penetration and is wayward at times. Despite early comments, he's not shown an ability to hold marks overhead (yes, I realize it isn't his job) and he isn't lightning quick. But he has some real attributes. He's a genuine footballer who understands the game and gets involved in the play whether he has the ball or not. When he has the ball he's got terrific awareness as the highlights above show. He's really competitive and a genuine role or "team" player. We are used to smalls having real X factor but what this kid lacks in X factor he makes up for in other footy attributes. The first time I saw him was at Casey in a practice match last year. He started forward and struggled to get into the game but in the second half he was moved to the midfield and was very good. His ability to find the ball and more importantly look to do something with it was noticeable. Spargo will learn his trade forward but will ultimately move into the midfield where he will be very good. The kid was 18 all last year and is a baby in terms of his footy potential at AFL level. I'm predicting a very good future for Charlie.

In what way was his attitude questionable at the MFC? He was among the top trainers each and every pre-season, and came back quickly from injuries and the cancer scare. At the half-way point of last year, he was the hardest-running KPP in the competition and in AA form. If you’re talking about his occasional body language, sure, but what age did Jack Riewoldt stop sooking? Every player has flaws, and who knows what the future will bring, but I don’t think you can fault his commitment to the cause during his time with us.

Wingard and Polec will tear us a new one

Agree. I think 1 is a good way to go for us now. I was way off with my pick 0-0 draw against the second bottom team in that comp. pfft. I feel i am better at selecting football margins. That might prove interesting with some of these rule changes. Think we will be good things to make our line and also the over 40pts option.

But even without the new rule, if you stacked the backline you left one or two opponents free somewhere, so I suspect the main difference will be that the wingman won't be able to get as deep as before as a spare defender. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, especially in tight situations. With 30 sec to go and your team 1 point ahead, under the new ruckman "no-prior" rule maybe the ruckman will try to grab the ball rather than hit it. Or maybe give away a deliberate free to give players time to flood back.

And that could leave his wingman opponent standing on his own with a chance to receive the ball unopposed from a quick clearance from the bounce down. No effect on the game? There are far too many variables involved for that to be true. I would suggest there's more likely a 99% chance that the new 666 rule will have an effect on the game in some form or another. Whatever that is, is anyone's guess. The remaining 99.9% of the game is an incorrect number too ... more like 80% - 90% of the game as the 666 rule will be applied roughly 25 - 45 times per game depending on how many goals are scored. And each application of the 666 rule will take up a certain amount of game time. Applying the 666 rule for the whole game is problematic. There may be a way to do it but any solution I've seen put forward becomes impractical. If the goal is to reduce congestion on the ground then bringing the numbers down to 15 or 16 per team could be a viable alternative. But then we'd be messing with the very fabric of the game.

The four AFLX 2019 captains will build their superhero teams via a nationally broadcast Draft on Wednesday February 6. The Draft will be on 7Mate, Fox Footy, AFL.com.au & AFL Live App from 7pm AEDT. Fair dinkum unbelievable. I call this the “reverse draft” because I’ll be watching it hoping that we don’t have any players picked.

A real shame for Wines, I enjoy watching him play. Let's hope he is fit and firing for Round 2....?

His disposal efficiency was 76% last year which is really high. I can’t think of a small forward that would come close. 5 score involvements per game as well. Betts, Rioli x 2, Ryan are all 70% DE or less.

I still believe the 3pick will deliver collects ... and where it's different to the horses is that the contests are 2 horse races (pardon the pun!) Finding 1 winner each shouldn't be too difficult and the collective odds can still be quite good. And we can add-on as we see fit. And it's not like it costs much ... it's more opportunity lost rather than opportunity cost. But winning is winning DZ and no likes losing.

Kick-ins At kick-ins, a player will no longer need to kick to himself to play on from the goal square. Following a behind, the man on the mark will be brought out to 10m from the top of the goal square, rather than the existing five metres. Impact on competition: Kick in player not kicking to himself will mean marginally quicker kick in, making it more difficult to cover the outlet kick The 10 metre rule will really open up the field - a player who can kick 60 metres will get it to the centre almost Together these two rules are very likely to help teams move the ball forward more quickly The 10 metre rule is the that i think will create the most innovation from coaches and may end up having the greatest impact in terms of changing how the game is played - for example: the longest kicks might, rather than the most accurate, might take kick ins, we might see more torps (like the one Frost unloaded against the Hawks) and maybe a play will b to kick to space (and over presses) on the wings and let quick players 'race' to get it Also coaches will need to come up with new defensive mechanism to maintain presses and stop quick transitions - and i have no doubt they will Impact on dees: As FarNorthernD points out the recruitment of May will benefit us with the new kick in rule he is long and accurate kick that should provide opportunities for very quick transition But players like Frost and hunt, who are both quick and can kick long torps might get a crack at kick outs Also Hunt with his speed might be a player who could run into space for long bombs kicked into space down a wing Potential implementation and interpretation issues: In terms of interpretation, without a line on the ground based on umpires inability to gauge 15 metre kicks i suspect they will regularly get the 10 metre wrong - they 'll probably let them run 20! - maybe they will need to put a dot 10 meters out That said both rules easy to interpret and i don't really see any possible implementation issues - however as noted above i think these rules will have abig impact and no doubt a number of unintended consequences

I included AZ Alkmaar as a late entry and they too saluted. Unlucky this week.

I had 'Anderlecht' as my back-up choice and they duly saluted as well. So went very close but no cigar

I'm surprised we don't have them. It's about time we did. The players are well paid, that money comes at a cost. You don't get nothing for nothing.... If I was on 500k plus I don't think I would see too much problem in not riding a motorcycle, skiing or other activities. In all honesty I would be looking to protect my income.

The contentious one could well be the new 'Hands in the Back' interpretation. A player playing from from behind can currently use his body or forearm to hold his ground but the use of the hands could easily open up a can of worms What's a push and what isn't a push? Another grey area created to add to the long list of grey areas. And what's to stop the player in front lurching forward once he feels the hands on his back? Don't like that new rule. The great unknown is the 'Traditional playing positions at Centre bounces' ... I like the new rule because it at least could reduce congestion (in part) We don't see true wingmen anymore so that position could be resurrected somewhat. The forward forays from the centre bounces might become more direct therefore bringing the high marking KPF's into the game more. The policing of the rule will be easy enough but we'll see infractions from forgetful players. The rest of the rule changes seem quite logical though ... we have a sport without offside so the coaches can and have redesigned the game. That's their right as they are charged with winning at the sport. So the AFL trying to bring about some order to the sport should be applauded. Whether it works or not is anyone's guess.

Write the name of your preferred candidate and/or copy + paste then bold their name. McSizzle will be entering the tournament later in the week.

Not as attractive to most men as Natalie Portman but, at least the Dees are getting some celeb supporters -

Spargo has been training really well, last training session, a couple of really good decisions and disposal, he was 18 and a controlled pre season last year Supporters on here have been crying out for real depth, we have it now, reckon from now on, including the QLD camp, every player will take their training efforts up a notch, as I have said before Goodwin will pick the 22 he thinks have had the 'best' pre season and are fully fit and in form for Rd1

I am a huge Spargo fan. The Demon Coaching staff obviously are as well. When you consider his age, I believe the doubters on this thread will be haunted by their lowly assessment in years to come. In a nutshell, the lad has ability and beautiful awareness. He will be a beauty.

I love what Hogan could have brought but time started ticking after the Sydney game last year so we already have some evidence. 2018 Record. With Hogan, wins against final top 8, 0 out of 6. Hogan kicked 8 goals Without Hogan, 4 out of 5. Weids kicked 8 goals. Hogan is a huge talent. We didn’t make the most of his speed which is what should set him apart. But for all his strengths attitude was and is questionable and forward pressure was poor. We’ll perform far better if Weids kick 30 goals but simply applies pressure. Good exhibit is the Port game last year where we kicked 9 goals from over 60 forward 50s and Hogan’s direct opponent was BOG. I doubt Weideman let’s that happen.

Charlie has tricks, tricks and more tricks. Great footy brain.

I hate to admit this, but my missus yelled to me that NP was just on Ch 9 on the Ellen show in the US promoting her Aust visit. She was bragging about going to watch the Dees train and that she was now a Demons fan. They showed pics of her donning the 'jersey', with Goody and others. She was very enthusiastic. Talked about it for 3 or 4 mins. Anyone still think this hasn't been a very successful promotion for the club? Got great exposure locally and now a short segment on popular US TV. Our sponsors will wee their pants after seeing this.

The bookies are only really worried about the top 6 or 7 players. The rest is highly correlated to the stupidity of each teams supporters. It's why they didn't bother with any other MFC players but put odds on 6 of Collingwood.

Call me cynical but I'm positive that the teams are prearranged with the clubs and there will be equal representation. Nobody picked on the night hasn't been given prior approval by their club to play.

Both teams are a total opposite to back then, we were a bad team getting worse, they were on the rise, now we are on a rise and their team was already weaker before wines injury.

I reckon with this new-new 'hands in the back' interpretation we'll end up with the same issues that previously existed and they'll change it back again. Unless they stubbornly refuse to - and that's always a possibility. Do they want forwards to be able to take more marks? Thus creating more scoring opportunities and therefore more goal breaks and more advertisements? Pardon my cynicism.

The best value for each pick boosts up the odds ... it's good when what should happen, does happen. PSG have scored heavily all season and they nearly always win. So the +3.5 Goals paying $2.15 was a logical pick. So was DZ's pick with Roma ... but for some inexplicable reason they give up a 3 - 0 lead. Sheer bad luck as things like that very rarely happen. Man City, Barca & Juventus are 3 other teams that can be relied upon. Liverpool as well? Knowing we only have to come up with 1 pick does make one focus. It's my reckoning that the 1 pick can often jump out at you. I know you like the bigger multi's Wadda and than can still happen using the collective 3 picks as a base.

Who cares?? we got Jimmy Toumpas !!! Oh Hang on!!

One thing I can guarantee 'Macca' is that KB is absolutely going to lose it over this rule change. He was a big fan of the previous rule and I think it was under his reign that it was brought in... It's one thing I agree with him on.

I agree he does have lots of similarities to Sam Mitchell - as he gets a bigger fitness base and spends more time in the midfield the similarity will become more striking I hope He's a good user of the ball , great reader of the play, tough , disposes well and in the vast majority of times to his team mates advantage Sam Mitchell is not tall , he is not quick by foot - still a great midfield weapon I expect Charlie to follow suit and I believe our coaching staff think the same

Deadset, Gil and the boys are [censored] morons.

A bit surprising to read Wines trained today RG. There was footage of Wines running around at training this morning in the rehab group with no strapping on either shoulder. I guess we’ll soon find out the extent of the damage.

Echuca apparently. https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/01/27/terrible-mistake-from-port-adelaide's-next-captain/ Looks like a dislocated shoulder if Cornes is on the money. It is a pitty, I was looking forward to Wines going head to head with Viney.

Recognising that now the tennis is over, footy ramps up, Melbourne's Herald Sun has a puff piece today of 50 things to watch for in season 2019. The most interesting one for me was the comment about Gill McLachlan having a "shocker" in 2018 and that he would need to perform better in 2019. My own view is that, whether it's fair or not, he might be on shakier ground than the public realises with the AFL Commission expecting better than he's been able to deliver to date. The obsession with AFLX and its promotion ahead of AFLW is one example where I think he's misread the market. And while he deserves credit for what he's done with AFLW, he now risks reputational damage with the changes made (such as the conference system) and losing all the deserved praise. If the new rule changes are considered to have "failed", I expect this time next year to be commenting on a new AFL Chief Executive.

It's the other side of the coin. When a player is on big dollars, and they do a knee in a game, break a leg, or what have you, we say, well, their careers are short, you never know when it's all going to come to a shuddering halt, etc. Good on 'em, they deserve the money, let them capitalise while they can ... Everyone thought the Swans were mad signing up Buddy to a 500 year contract but no-one thought Buddy was mad for taking it. So when you're in a position where a club is prepared to pay you those big dollars, you also have a responsibility to give your best shot at giving them value for money. And the more key the player, the more so. Richmond for example ... up to this season, they structured their whole forward setup around Riewoldt. What would the board have said if he'd gone glacier climbing in Alaska and blew out both kneecaps? I can't hear them saying "well, their careers are short, you never know when it's all going to come to a shuddering halt, etc"

Training mishaps are common and it’s purely bad luck if you lose a player on the track so close the start of a season. I guess sometimes we as supporters dread reading training reports for that reason. You’d be peeved if you were Port though, had a read of the Alberton forums just to see how divided the opinion was. Yes, players have a life outside football, but when you’re favourite to become the club’s captain should you be taking care of your body by not exposing it to such risk? The scans could clear Wines of serious damage after all that, I would just prefer Viney kept playing Fortnite on his time off.

Viney, born to lead this club. "Leadership groups" and vice captains are irrelevant. Jack Viney is our man.

I have little doubt that Harmes will be in the leadership group in the future, the same could also be said of Gus, Trac and Clarry. But for now I think we should just let these guys play footy and let them just keep developing their leadership skills and status quietly in the background.

I couldn’t fault his commitment and the way he trained. He trains hard and presented fit, but for the quickest player in the league last year (according to Champion data) he didn’t chase and tackle and that is just down to attitude. I was hoping the club would get him to work on that and improve it but if he does it isn’t with us.

Find it difficult to fathom why some have Charlie Spargo out of the side altogether. Emergency? Hardly. If he maintains his pre-season training form and based on what he showed in his debut season last year I'd say he's a certainty for Round 1. He may be overtaken by one of the newbies down the track but not as it stands right now. He'll be fitter, stronger and hungrier with just the right dose of mongrel at the fall of the ball.

tear up or tear up? or both?

Surely Natalie Portman is in the conversation if we’re talking about pre season form

Some people like myself spend thousands of dollars each year flying to Melbourne and other capital cities to watch the team play.