Yes, it is the constant rule changes to negate coaching tactics that have turned the game into a boring slugfest. The coaches are paid enough money, and have enough ass. coaches to come up with their own solutions to "Pagan's Paddock", "Rolyball" "eagles web" or whatever the media invention of the day is. Let them work it out. I will say it again, go back to the rules of the 70's/80's and start again. DON'T be influenced into rule changes by the media or lazy coaches, and give flair a go. Remember what the game was like when Bosustow, Kenny Hunter, Michael Mitchell Peter Troode, Vern Orr and the like would take 3 or 4 speccy's a week? When Manassa or Gabelich or Mora would run the length of the ground bouncing the ball, and forwards had room to lead, and were allowed to snap goals from the boundary, and there was no such thing as "the hot spot"? I want to see that again. The only way to get back to it is tell the umpires they are allowed 2 ball-ups a quarter, and get the game opened up again.
The reason why we so often get 40 players in 1 third of the ground is that grandstanding umpires want to take a minute or more to set up for a simple throw in the air, and give time for that to happen. Pay a free instead, there is always one to be picked out, and force the players to play their positions. Tell the umpires that people come to watch the players not them.
