Murray MiddletonTunnelling
March 27th 2008 12:05
One week ago the term ‘tunnelling’ meant nothing to football followers. Suddenly it is the word on every supporter’s lips. Following Saturday night’s two-point victory over Sydney, St. Kilda launched a public attack on the Sydney Swans, highlighting at least two instances in which they believed star forward Nick Riewoldt was ‘tunnelled’. Footage of the incidents showed Riewoldt being nudged in the hip while attempting to mark in the air, forcing his legs from underneath him. The two offenders, in St. Kilda’s eyes, were Lewis Roberts-Thompson and Craig Bolton. Two days later Richmond spearhead Matthew Richardson called for ‘tunnelling’ to be banned, before admitting that the tactic had rarely been used against him.
Sydney coach Paul Roos responded to the allegations with bemusement, before staunchly defending co-captain Bolton. The Swans were most hurt by St. Kilda’s allegation that they had used ‘tunnelling’ as a deliberate ploy to curve the marking impact of Riewoldt and, potentially, to injure him. They were also upset that the club chose to voice their concern through the media. The issue briefly threatened to unsettle the seemingly intimate relationship between Roos and his former assistant Ross Lyon. However Roos directed most of his criticism toward St. Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser, who was the first person to make the complaint public. So why did Fraser chose to go through the media?
There can be little doubt what St. Kilda was playing at by publicly highlighting the supposed instances of ‘tunnelling’. Technically speaking, they sought clarification from the umpiring department as to the legality of the tactic. In response, the umpiring department admitted that Riewoldt should have received a free kick in both instances. St. Kilda played their hand well. Their approach should ensure that umpires, consciously or not, will be on the look out for any untoward defending against Riewoldt. He is often subject to close checking from defenders who are eager to counteract the best mark in the game. Riewoldt took the most marks in the competition in 2007 and holds the key to St. Kilda’s success.
Has Craig Bolton’s reputation been harmed? Since his switch from the Brisbane Lions (remarkably he cost nothing) Bolton has been regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in the game. He is a slight build but has managed to close down some of the best power forwards in the competition. He has been one of the main reasons that Sydney has been so successful under Paul Roos. Bolton’s success has been based on hard work, not foul play. He is no thug. It is unlikely that his actions on Saturday night were pre-meditated. However they were, in the very least, reckless. On one occasion in which Riewoldt was ‘tunnelled’, he plummeted to the ground, as if he had received a rugby league-style spear tackle. Bolton’s contact was only slight, but it was dangerous. For the preservation of players it is important that the tactic be outlawed.
Tunnelling is now a recognised term. It might be forgotten by this time next week. St. Kilda’s use of the media was uncommon for a club of their standing. Usually such antagonistic behaviour is confined to the likes of Essendon, Collingwood and Carlton. It is a Kevin Sheedy-like ploy. The success will be gauged in the coming weeks. Any damage to the St. Kilda - Sydney relationship can only be good for the game. If anything, St. Kilda needs to distance itself from Sydney’s model of ‘tempo football’. Any fallout between the respective coaches would add spice to the next contest. God forbid a shootout.
Sydney coach Paul Roos responded to the allegations with bemusement, before staunchly defending co-captain Bolton. The Swans were most hurt by St. Kilda’s allegation that they had used ‘tunnelling’ as a deliberate ploy to curve the marking impact of Riewoldt and, potentially, to injure him. They were also upset that the club chose to voice their concern through the media. The issue briefly threatened to unsettle the seemingly intimate relationship between Roos and his former assistant Ross Lyon. However Roos directed most of his criticism toward St. Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser, who was the first person to make the complaint public. So why did Fraser chose to go through the media?
There can be little doubt what St. Kilda was playing at by publicly highlighting the supposed instances of ‘tunnelling’. Technically speaking, they sought clarification from the umpiring department as to the legality of the tactic. In response, the umpiring department admitted that Riewoldt should have received a free kick in both instances. St. Kilda played their hand well. Their approach should ensure that umpires, consciously or not, will be on the look out for any untoward defending against Riewoldt. He is often subject to close checking from defenders who are eager to counteract the best mark in the game. Riewoldt took the most marks in the competition in 2007 and holds the key to St. Kilda’s success.
Has Craig Bolton’s reputation been harmed? Since his switch from the Brisbane Lions (remarkably he cost nothing) Bolton has been regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in the game. He is a slight build but has managed to close down some of the best power forwards in the competition. He has been one of the main reasons that Sydney has been so successful under Paul Roos. Bolton’s success has been based on hard work, not foul play. He is no thug. It is unlikely that his actions on Saturday night were pre-meditated. However they were, in the very least, reckless. On one occasion in which Riewoldt was ‘tunnelled’, he plummeted to the ground, as if he had received a rugby league-style spear tackle. Bolton’s contact was only slight, but it was dangerous. For the preservation of players it is important that the tactic be outlawed.
Tunnelling is now a recognised term. It might be forgotten by this time next week. St. Kilda’s use of the media was uncommon for a club of their standing. Usually such antagonistic behaviour is confined to the likes of Essendon, Collingwood and Carlton. It is a Kevin Sheedy-like ploy. The success will be gauged in the coming weeks. Any damage to the St. Kilda - Sydney relationship can only be good for the game. If anything, St. Kilda needs to distance itself from Sydney’s model of ‘tempo football’. Any fallout between the respective coaches would add spice to the next contest. God forbid a shootout.
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Comment by Anonymous
Surely Riewoldt could be part of Australia’s assault of Hollywood. He could join the likes of Cate, Russell, Miranda and Nicole and setting the silver screen on fire. At the very least he could have been one of the Moran’s sidekicks in Channel 9’s Underbelly. Perhaps he could have played Wayne Carey as the character witness for Jason Moran? Are we going to see Riewoldt ‘tunnel’ his talent back onto TV screen and into our hearts? Watch this space.
Comment by Murray Middleton
AFL Talk
Ever since Riewoldt broke his collarbone and cried at the Gabba in 2005 he has been subject to heckling from opposition supporters. People need only watch his mark against Syndey to undestand the calibre of the player.