GWS runner Nick Maxwell ‘would know’ what he was doing in the corridor on kick-ins says Jordan Lewis
SNEAKY tactic or innocent act? That’s the big question surrounding GWS runner Nick Maxwell’s placement on the ground — and one player thinks he knows the answer.
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SNEAKY tactic or innocent act?
That’s the big question surrounding Greater Western Sydney runner Nick Maxwell, who is being investigated by the AFL for how he is being used during games.
The AFL revealed on Tuesday that the umpires in GWS’ loss to Carlton noted in their post-match report the amount of time Maxwell spent on the field. Television footage also revealed that Maxwell was positioned on the edge of the centre square during Carlton kick-ins.
Melbourne star Jordan Lewis believes Maxwell, a Collingwood premiership captain who retired at the end of the 2014 season, would have been well aware of what he was doing.
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“Any ex-footballer that becomes a runner would know exactly where you’re standing and why you’re standing there,” he told Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
“You never really hear them (the runners) because you’re so focused on what you want — but it’s just smart positioning.”
Lewis explained that because Maxwell was physically taking up space, it had an impact on how the Blues would have played out from the kick-in.
“No GWS player has to position themself there, the space is already taken up,” he said.
Runners must be outside of the 50 metre arc during kick-ins.
His co-panellist, Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, questioned the use of the tactic because of the risk involved for the Giants.
“I think the rules are you actually can’t be on the ground post a goal being kicked,” he said.
“A lot of those ones are from kick-outs ... so if they go through for a goal, where does that leave you?
But he was more concerned about the four field umpires and how their placement could impact play.
“I think if you just look at there, you’ve got four umpires standing in the corridor,” Riewoldt said.
“If you want the game to go a bit quicker I wouldn’t be standing in the most attacking space.”
Originally published as GWS runner Nick Maxwell ‘would know’ what he was doing in the corridor on kick-ins says Jordan Lewis
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