Dick Condon on Australian rules
Dear 'Old Timer’ [Australian football writer for the Referee (NSW)] – Knowing the great interest you have always shown in the Referee towards the Australian game, and the personal interest; not only as its greatest advocate, through your paper, but as an old player of no mean calibre, I take the privilege of penning what I think of football, and how the games, through the players, may be more spectacular and brought to perfection.
Football is undoubtedly the most captivating pastime in the world. It deserves the patronage it commands, and produces health, bone, and muscle which otherwise might remain undeveloped. The many thousands who follow the game, when worked up to a pitch of excitement, and it is seldom otherwise, are benefited.
It takes a man out of himself, and would, I believe, cure, a sick man of many maladies by concentrating his attention, by giving life to his blood, and, in a word, making him forget himself and his troubles. I heard of a soldier in the South African war who said he saved his life by a trick he learnt on the football field, for all must know football makes a man active, supple, and versatile.
Football also has a tendency to develop the good and bad qualities in a man. Some players stand many bumps, and never attempt, to retaliate. Such men do credit to the game and themselves, while others, with little provocation, lose their heads, and resort to many things not in the rules. To these men I say—it is the time for coolness. Try and think before you act. Do not bring discredit on yourself, and after all is over you will feel contented, and retain the respect your club and comrades desire. I know it is British pluck to defend oneself; but retaliation on the field brings condemnation and stigma.
Footballers in the Australian game have invariably borne the reputation of being non-workers—men who live on the game. I refer, mostly to other States. During my career and connection with the game for 22 years, however, I always found them breadwinners of the country, and mentally and physically fit to hold the best positions in the land, for they have mental quickness, resolution, and strength.
The game is played in other States with all possible encouragement to players—no loss of time, travelling expenses allowed, and perfect outdoor training provided. It is surprising how the players of New South Wales, without these privileges, do so well. If they had those facilities, and playing as they now do—for the matches, improve each Saturday— they would win the Carnival supremacy.
I would like to throw out a few hints to the players. The captain, when chosen by the players, should be a sound observer of his men and their temperament, have their confidence, and the brains to find the weakness of the enemy. I have heard captains say that the players will not take any notice of what is said. When such is the case, I suggest that an evening each week be set apart for a players meeting to discuss points of the game, and endeavor to find a systematic method of outclassing their opponents. This gives the captains a good chance of addressing the men, and the committee the opportunity of impressing upon them the necessity of cohension.
System may be brought about in any club if the players have the welfare of the club at heart.
Combination, not Individual effort, wins matches. It means eighteen men playing as one, ever trying to pass to a comrade, and the players playing themselves in position to receive the ball.
Avoid crowding the game; play open to enable a chain of passing to be done.
Avoid much running; get rid of the ball as soon as possible.
Do not try to play the other side by trying to beat too many opponents. A player offending in this respect should be placed where his individualism is not so noticeable, thereby avoiding disorganisation
A player at all times should endeavor to keep in front of his opponent, thereby having first call on the ball, and every opportunity of beating his man; or perhaps receiving a penalty kick for an infringement.
The quickest way of scoring goals is to play from goal-line to goal line; in other words, up and down the centre. A team in the leeway may reverse positions if it adopts this method.
Back men should get rid of the ball from the danger zone with a good, long kick, and thus protect their goal, instead of trying to run through the field when the opportunity does not present itself.
Ruck men should have a perfect understanding as to who is to go for the ball, while the other does the shepherding. They may take it in turns, and a clever or brainy rover, finding his ruck weak, can work from the stronger ruck by anticipating their intention. Apart from that, I would advise the captain, at the least sign of fatigue, to change his ruck—if necessary, every ten minutes. This would also keep the game fast, and the ruckmen fresh to renew their efforts.
The centre man should not wander too far from his position, for from centre to half-forward, and hence to the forwards, is a much desired feature of the game, the back's and half-backs helping each other likewise, with the centre and centre-wings always in their mind. Thus we got combination in play—a system that followers of the game will recognise and applaud. Unselfishness, quickness in thought, action, and skill, make ours, as I recognise it, the best of football games.
Players should never hesitate. Dash and determination are the great essentials. Slow players are sometimes said to be cool. Coolness may justify a slow act coming from a quick brain at the opportune moment. But the same player might be the fastest man of his side if pace is required.
Forwards should never be away from the territory of their opponents' goal. If they are, then the effort of the ruck, or other positioned players, is wasted, and they become disheartened. The forwards, when the ball is not in their territory, may endeavor to entice the back men from their position. This, if successful, weakens the defence, and gives an easier opportunity to goal.
By this time, 'Old Timer’, I must have exhausted your patience. So, in conclusion, I will just add, during my few months in Sydney I have been closely watching the various teams. I could mention men from each who, if seeking a game in an other State where the Australian game is in the ascendant, would be snapped up by any club. I feel sure, during the Carnival held in Sydney next month, New South Wales will render a good account of itself.
Footnotes
Title: DICK CONDON ON AUSTRALIAN RULES Author: Dick Condon Publisher: Referee (Sydney, NSW: 1886 -1939) Date: Wednesday, 26 August 1914, p.13 (Article) Link: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/120275517
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