Tackling skills falter

Alistair Clarkson’s musings over high tackles are interesting, and the free kick statistics (which we don’t have to hand, but we heard on Foxtel) show that the Eagles benefit from the umpire’s decisions more than anyone else does.

 

While we don’t put much store in Gieschen’s defence of his umpires, the image (below) gracing the AFL’s story on the issue somewhat destroys Clarkson’s ground.

 

 

 

With Franklin’s eyes determinedly closed as he applies the tackle, it’s hardly surprising that he’s about to give a free kick away!

 

Tackling is no less a skill than kicking, handballing or marking. None of these happen effectively unless there’s full concentration on their implementation.

 

Perhaps Clarkson should be closely examining the footage and trying to determine whether or not his players are actually watching their targets as they tackle . . .