Kane Cornes wonders whether several rules changes implemented in previous years will see football become too attacking, with promoting more scores at the forefront.
The AFL has recently brought in the new ‘stand’ rule, which sees players unable to move off or deviate away from the mark once it has been set by the umpire.
Starting positions and a tighter interpretation of the protected area are some of the other changes introduced in recent years, with an eye to produce a more open style of football.
On the back of Thursday night’s AAMI Community Series opener between Carlton and St Kilda – where 34 goals were scored – Cornes questioned whether there would be too much scoring as a result of the rule changes.
“Has the pendulum swung too far?” Cornes questioned on SEN SA Breakfast.
“It’s still early days, and it’s not just this year – it’s in previous years with zones and the 10-metre protected area.
“Has it swung too far now that we are going to see more games like (last night). I don’t know and don’t want to answer that question that I hope and pray (that there’s a balance).”
The footy world was abuzz following the high-scoring opening to the AAMI Community Series, with plenty wondering whether the new ‘stand’ rule contributed to the 34-goal shootout.
Cornes said it was impossible to judge after one match, but added it was crucial that key elements of the game such as high marking and tackling were retained amid the rule changes.
“There’s a balance there somewhere,” he said.
“We’re not going to overreact to one pre-season game, there clearly wasn’t a lot of defensive focus from either team, regardless of new rules, interchange rotations and standing on the mark rule.
“If you’re giving up 34 goals in a game, it means you’re just out there to get a bit of fitness, get a kick and feel good about yourself ahead of Round 1 which the coaches wouldn’t like.
“For me, what makes a good game of football is the contest, it’s the intensity – I didn’t see any high marks last night and only saw one or two high tackles but not to the level you’d expect playing one of the most physical games in the world.
“Intensity and contest, ferociousness around the footy, I didn’t see it last night and mind you I didn’t expect to see it.
“34 goals in a game, I’d take it or leave it. It doesn’t excite me.”