James Kelly argues for six on AFL bench to boost speed and spectacle
Essendon assistant coach James Kelly says six players on the interchange this season would improve the spectacle of footy.
Essendon assistant coach James Kelly says six players on the interchange this season would improve the spectacle of footy, adamant speed leads to a more attractive game.
As the AFL considers a ruling on its interchange numbers next week, Kelly said the argument that fatigued players meant less congestion around the ball had been “debunked”.
AFL legend Kevin Bartlett continues to rail against the current standard of AFL football, believing a reduced interchange would allow the game to break open given fit players now crowd around the ball.
The opening round of the 2020 campaign produced only 184 goals between 18 teams at an average of 10.2 goals per team, with football at historically low scoring levels.
The league is set to retain four players on the bench, with an official announcement expected by the end of the week.
But triple premiership Geelong star Kelly said on Sunday that while Essendon would adapt to any decision, fresher players meant better skills and the kind of line-breaking Richmond’s Dustin Martin has become renowned for.
“I don’t think (six on the bench) would be a bad thing. If it comes to more people getting a chance to play each week against the opposition, that has to be good. Two extra players get to play every week and that’s how I view it,” Kelly said.
“It would reduce the load on players who have had interrupted seasons and better enable players to stay on and play more games through the year with no mid-season break, so it keeps your good players playing.
“The whole argument about speed and congestion has been debunked. I think the speed and excitement in the game in shorter game time is what people love. It’s a better product with more speed. You can cut through defences quicker, the excitement of the game is going to go up a level with more speed.
“If you look at the interchange cap, congestion hasn’t gone away. Stoppages haven’t reduced, so I think that’s the argument against the congestion debate. I am sure people would debate me on that.
“Imagine having a fresh Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in the forward line versus an Anthony who is cooked because he hasn’t had a rest. That has to be good for everyone. When Dusty can burst out of a stoppage because he has the legs to do it, that has to be a good thing for everyone.”
The league is considered likely to retain four interchange players and its cap of 90 rotations.
AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan said on Friday six players on the bench would be unlikely given the league did not have to be compressed at this stage.
Meanwhile, Mick Malthouse reckons only half a dozen teams are capable of winning the premiership in the coronavirus-hit 2020 season.
Some experts have suggested the shortened and disrupted season, which restarts on June 11, could open the door for teams to “pinch” an unexpected flag.
But coaching legend Malthouse believes the 17-round campaign will heavily favour bigger, stronger and more “ballistic” teams.
He also says versatile and explosive midfield-forward players such as Martin, Jordan De Goey and Patrick Dangerfield will be influential during shortened quarters, with each period trimmed to 16 minutes plus time-on this season.
“It’s going to be the bigger, stronger and more mature sides that will come out the other end,” Malthouse said on The Sunday Footy Show.
“I think there’s only five or six sides that can win the premiership this year and each one of them have got that really good blend of senior players.
“Greater Western Sydney is my tip to win the premiership,” Malthouse said. “You talk about explosiveness, they’ve got that, and they’ve got the hunger but they’ve also got a good age blend.”
HERALD SUN/AAP
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