Larkin, that went out with the rule change this year, but our forwards still are forced by the coach to play up on the half back line when the footy is there. Oppositions only need 2 defenders when playing Freo, the rest need to be forwards who can take a shot on goal, because they spend most of their time inside their forward 50.
The reason opponents take the footy away from clearances so easily is because they set up with options 1, 2 and 3 kicks down the ground, and space to use those options. Freo have options 1 kick down the ground from the defensive 50. All within 15 meters of the boundary, then players sprinting into the forward line if a stoppage is not forced at the contest. They have to wait to go forward because Lyon's mantra demands superior numbers at the stoppage, rather than superior skill at the stoppage.
The more I think about it the more I am convinced he does not rate skills training, because superior skills would mean less stoppages, and less chance for him to showcase his only coaching skill, how to win a stoppage.
