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The Australian Football League’s (AFL) recent changes to ruck contest rules are already facing scrutiny after Geelong forward Shannon Neale sustained a shin injury during a preseason match against Carlton. The incident has reignited debate about player safety and prompted questions about how teams will deploy their key players in centre ball-ups this season. The modern rules, designed to reduce wrestling and encourage jumping, are now under the microscope as concerns mount over a potential increase in injuries, particularly to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Neale collided knees with Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet on Wednesday evening, initially sparking fears of a serious knee injury. While Geelong later confirmed the injury was a shin knock and that Neale is expected to be available for their Opening Round clash with Gold Coast next Friday, the scare has prompted discussion among coaches and players about the potential risks associated with the revised rules. The incident comes just days after Melbourne captain Max Gawn voiced his concerns about the potential for increased PCL injuries.
The AFL implemented the rule changes to discourage the traditional wrestling contests at centre bounces, aiming for a more athletic and visually appealing contest. Under the new guidelines, rucks are prohibited from crossing the centre line before engaging with their opponents, and umpires will now bounce the ball upwards rather than along the ground. However, the focus on jumping has raised concerns about the increased stress placed on players’ knees.
“Hopefully, if they’re up vertical and not in, that could maybe prevent the PCL — because that’s the one we’re probably worried about,” Carlton backline coach Ash Hansen said, acknowledging the potential trade-off between reducing wrestling and increasing the risk of different types of injuries. As reported by the ABC, Hansen also noted that assessing the impact of the new rules will require a larger body of evidence over time.
Geelong assistant coach James Kelly admitted the incident with Neale has prompted the club to reconsider its approach to ruck contests. “Yeah, probably,” Kelly said when asked if the injury scare would influence their team selection. “How you deploy your athletic guys is always a question across the AFL. We’re generally not one of those [teams that avoid putting key forwards in the ruck], but I’m sure some teams will certainly think about it.”
The concerns aren’t limited to potential injuries. A confusing moment during the same preseason match saw Geelong ruck Sam De Koning jump and overshot the ball, while Pittonet was penalized for stepping over the line. This led to calls for greater clarity on the interpretation of the new rules. “We’ll seek clarity on what that looks like,” Hansen said. “I guess we’re still adjusting to that. When you’re looking at the ball, you’re looking at your opponent, that fine line, it’s hard not to cross on occasions.”
The debate surrounding the new ruck rules highlights the challenges of balancing player safety with the desire for a more dynamic and entertaining game. While the AFL hopes the changes will lead to a more skillful and athletic contest, the early signs suggest that clubs may need to carefully consider the risks involved and adjust their strategies accordingly. 7News reported that the Neale-Pittonet clash could lead to a re-evaluation of which players are used in centre ball-ups.
As the AFL season approaches, clubs will be closely monitoring the impact of the new ruck rules and adapting their strategies as needed. The health and safety of players will undoubtedly remain a top priority, and the league will likely be under pressure to address any emerging concerns. The opening rounds of the season will provide valuable data and insights into the effectiveness of the changes and their potential consequences.
What comes next will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the new ruck rules. Clubs will need to carefully assess the risks and rewards of deploying different players in centre ball-ups, and the AFL will need to remain vigilant in monitoring player safety. Share your thoughts on the new rules and their potential impact in the comments below.
