this year long kicks have gone up to 109 from 91, contested possessions up 291 from 267 and contested marks up to 25 from 22. on last years stats (source - patrick keane the afl media relations manager).
given the increase in contested footy it stands to reason that having a younger and not fully physically developed team is a larger disadvantage than it has been in the past.
anyway im not using it as an excuse but it was pretty evident on monday when we were just brushed off the ball with ease time after time.
of course, there are other elements involved, such as attitude and application, but i cant help but feeling that the higher emphasis on contested footy hasnt helped our cause.