The Touchy New Rule Causing A Stir | Thebigtip

The AFL, along with the NAB, have once again put on another pre-season of interest and controversy. Interest for the spectators who gain a little teaser of their favourite teams as well as fantasy football prospects and the players, especially rookies, draft picks and fringe players, have their chance to show their ability to perform and be considered for a place amongst the elite. Another great feature of the NAB Cup is the controversy as new rules are given a chance in the new format. This year's new rule is the 'Last Touched Rule'.

The last team to touch the ball before it crosses the boundary line, aside from a contested ball, will be penalised with a free kick to the opposing team. As seen last night in the Melbourne, Adelaide and Port Adelaide games, it seemed to confused a number of players. It may only be another rule that is scrapped after one pre-season but does this limit, extend or even create more excitement in the play of AFL football? In a game as fast paced as AFL, this 'Last Touched Rule' could limit the play or create a greater skill level, which at times is seen missing from the game.

A team may only limit their play through and around the centre square being too wary of mistakes near the boundary line. This may cause an extended amount of stoppages and a game not be very spectator friendly. Another way of looking at the experimental rule is that it may extend players' abilities and create a higher level of skill in the game. Teams not afraid to test the waters of the whole ground, especially the boundary line, ie. Collingwood, could benefit long term with greater skill acquisition for their players all round. This would mean hitting their targets becomes even more important than ever before. Should a player not have the added pressure of the boundary line in general play, this will increase their percentage of actually hitting their target rather than it be in doubt. With many players over the last number of years being seen as more athletic than having higher football ability, this new rule, should it be enforced seasonally, may increase the level of skill a player needs to achieve. On a larger scale, it may perhaps even see a shift in the the way AFL recruits their players, making skill more a priority than athleticism.

With that said, my selection for the 1st round of NAB Cup games, aside from Melbourne which is one of my two biases, are Collingwood, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Sydney or the Western Bulldogs.