From the HeraldSun:The AFL has told clubs the tackle is not dead after sending out an email this week to highlight correct tackle technique.
The Herald Sun can reveal the league distributed a memo illustrating how players have appropriately adjusted their tackle technique this season without slinging, dumping or driving their opponents’ heads into the ground.
The league on Tuesday reached out to clubs with footage of about 12 correct tackles to show players and coaches how they can tackle and dispossess an opposition player without making dangerous head contact.
In all of the examples there seems to be an awareness from the tackler not to upend the opponent or drive them into the ground head-first with their arms still pinned.
In some instances the players either let go of the opponents’ arms, decelerated during the tackle, or intentionally lowered themselves by dragging the opponent down at the waist.
In the email, the league commends the clubs for their ability to adjust their tackle technique this season, with more than 1000 tackles applied across every weekend.
The league said there had been a significant change in safe tackle technique over the past month where players have demonstrated a balance of defensive intensity and care for their opponents.
“Over the past several weeks we have seen a noticeable change in tackling technique with players showing a greater level of care to their opponents as they tackle them to ground,” the email said.
“The following link contains examples of players executing effective tackles whilst not placing their opponents in a vulnerable position, not applying excessive force in bringing their opponents to ground, releasing their opponent’s pinned arms prior to making contact with the ground and/or ensuring that their opponent’s head does not make contact with the ground or any such contact is minimised.
“We commend clubs for their focus on safe tackling technique and encourage GMs to reach out to us if they would benefit from support or clarification with respect to umpiring and/or the approach by MRO and Tribunal in relation to dangerous tackles.”
The first example shows Collingwood’s Beau McCreery drag down Richmond’s Liam Baker from the waist so the Tiger does not topple over head-first.
Melbourne’s James Jordon also drops at the knee when he rotates Liam Shiels in a tackle to carefully bring him into ground.
Western Bulldogs’ superstar Marcus Bontempelli is also highlighted for lowering himself to pull down Fremantle’s Jaeger O’Meara.
And St Kilda’s Brad Hill lets go of Blue George Hewett completely in a tackle near the boundary line, allowing the Carlton midfielder to put his arms out to brace for contact to prevent a nasty head knock.
https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-mro-news-all-the-latest-updates-from-the-round-13-action/news-story/88f641e00122db2b27cb5de608c1809b
