AFLW set to be faster, more open in 2018, says Carlton coach Damien Keeping
FASTER and slicker football is set to be on the agenda in AFLW this year, with one coach predicting fans should notice a “real difference” in game style this year. Here’s why.
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FASTER and slicker football is set to be on the agenda in AFLW this year, with one coach predicting fans should notice a “real difference” after a year of growth from players and a popular rule change.
The league last month confirmed it would implement the ‘last touch’ out of bounds rule, with free kicks set to be paid against a team when a kick or handball goes out of bounds without being touched by an opposition player.
The move is aimed at decreasing congestion and increasing scoring and — coupled with improved player skill levels — should help ensure a more attractive brand of football this year.
Carlton coach Damien Keeping said he had noticed a marked improvement in his playing squad this pre-season and hoped that would be reflected across the competition.
“We’d be hoping that the ball moves quickly and the game opens up a little bit this year,” Keeping said.
“The additional pre-season, the off-season that the players had through the VFL, they’ve certainly grown and developed both from a physical stance and a skills perspective.
“The AFL have been sound in their decision making around some of the rules and the last-touch rule, I think, will encourage some more free-flowing play and some directional play with the movement of the ball.
“Our group has trained really well and are certainly showing signs of moving the ball more effectively than what they did last year.”
Keeping said the Blues squad had a completely “new look”, with 11 inclusions to their squad and two virtual recruits in Jessica Hosking and Natalie Plane, who played a half of football between them last year due to injury.
Collingwood’s 2017 best-and-fairest Nicola Stevens has crossed to Princes Park in what Keeping said was a “wonderful pick up” while the Blues’ draftees headlined by Georgia Gee, Sophie Li and Reni Hicks have quickly found their feet.
“To bring in some new faces who hold a whole heap of different experiences, it’s been really interesting to watch,” Keeping said.
“The advancement that younger group has made very, very quickly has been really pleasing so at this stage we’ve got a full squad of 30 to pick from for Round 1.”
Brianna Davey was this week announced as the Blues’ new captain, replacing Lauren Arnell who has stepped down to vice-captain.
Carlton meets Collingwood in the opening game of the new season on February 2.
Originally published as AFLW set to be faster, more open in 2018, says Carlton coach Damien Keeping