Contested footy still the key (Bigpond)

[one-eyed]

Contested footy still the key
By Michael Rogers
BigPond Sport
Tuesday, April 05, 2011


Footy, more than ever before, is talked about in tactical terms.

Frontal pressure, defensive zones, Clarko's cluster, even the mysterious 'Saints footy' that no one outside St Kilda is deemed capable of understanding; all of these terms are thrown about with abandon.

Three or four years ago, they were yet to be conceived. Now they're part of every footy fan's game-day jargon.

But despite all the recent tactical innovation, the game still hinges on one thing - winning the contested ball.

It's why Richmond was able to draw with a bigger, stronger St Kilda. It's why the Swans were able to overhaul the high-flying Bombers at ANZ Stadium. And it's why Melbourne, despite beating Hawthorn on the first-half scoreboard, was always chasing its tail at the MCG.

If you can't win your share of the footy, all the tactical nous in the world won't save you.

The young Tigers roar

On Friday night, the Tigers should have been relatively easy pickings for the Saints' hardened midfield. Ross Lyon's side has been among the league's most miserly teams for several years and their ability to function as a unit should have been too much for a youthful Richmond side.

But the untimely knee injury to Lenny Hayes rendered St Kilda's centre-square setup vulnerable and allowed the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to compete on relatively even terms.

Accordingly, the Tigers almost broke even at the clearances with the Saints, 40-44, and their wider spread of attacking options almost clinched the game.

http://www.bigpondsport.com/contested-footy-still-the-key/tabid/91/newsid/69766/default.aspx

[smasha]

Are the media saying St. Kilda are a one man team?

We were in front at half time by 7 points when Hayes was in the team.

[Rodgerramjet]

But the untimely knee injury to Lenny Hayes rendered St Kilda's centre-square setup vulnerable and allowed the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to compete on relatively even terms.

What a lot of crap, we were competing on even terms well before that prick Hayes went down.

[Smokey]

I think we have found a new contender for media wanker of the year.  Obviously watched a large part of Friday's match from the warm comfort of one of the MCG bars (without live vision of the match).  As the first 2 posters pointed out, we were already on top when Hayes went down.  Dill of the highest order.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

I remember checking clearances and i50s at qtr time and numbers were similar on both counts.
Do your homework mr big pond nuff nuff