Port to wield wizardry and take out Wizard Cup 2003

Image: Getty Images

The year 2003 has now well and truly arrived and so the AFL season and all the sensationalism, anticipation, tension, and frenzy that go with it will soon hit the country like a hurricane.

The start to the football year will commence with the annual pre-season competition, once more this year named the Wizard Home Loans Cup. However, unlike years past, the Cup takes on a slightly different look this time around with new rules, and a new format.

In a somewhat controversial move, the previous round robin format has been done away with and in its place the competition will revert back to a knock-out format.

While this means less match practice for those teams who fail to win enough games, the revised knock out format is thought to be a welcome change by some, while others, including some coaches will inevitably prefer the extra games preparation that came with a round robin setup.

The knock-out format will force coaches to play more experienced players than they otherwise would have, and the extra incentive of cash rewards will leave many clubs contemplating a lay it all on the line attitude akin to the of the season proper.

While some clubs can afford to conserve their forces and prepare for the real stuff, many clubs facing financial ruin in the cut and thrust world of competitive sport, and the business that has become Australian Rules football will be forced to play this card and go for the win, when perhaps in seasons passed experimentation, and a policy of playing youth would be favoured in preference to such a strategy.

This is good news for fans however, and could ultimately be good news for the AFL, in attempting to position the preseason competition to be at a scenario in which it is viewed in a more serious and legitimate light following calls in recent seasons for the preseason competition to be scrapped in favour of an extended season.

In addition to revision of the cup’s format, there is also, the somewhat annual batch of rule changes we are accustomed to seeing each year.

Typically met with a certain amount of conjecture amongst traditionalists and other fans, the following rules changes have been made for the pre-season competition 2003:

1. Centre square expanded from 45m in length to 50m
The idea behind the rule change being to get cleaner centre clearances and less secondary bounces. A good idea in theory, but whether an extra 5m makes a real difference remains to be seen.

2. A goal from outside the 50m line translates to a nine point gain rather than six points Basketball anyone?

A clear copycat idea derived from basketball’s 3-pointer – this could be a impressive idea in terms of there being more longs shots at goal from the likes of Rocca, Dew, and Graham – thus adding more excitement to the game.

This rule will encourage more use of the torpedo.

3. Ball is immediately able to be kicked in after a behind rather than waiting for flags as in past matches
Adds some extra pace to the game and a new facet to consider in terms a team’s tactics.

Great for the fans – whether the players favour the lessening in “rest time” remains to be seen however. Should be interesting though, particularly in terms of set plays from kick-ins. Those in the upper echelon in terms of fitness will thrive.

4. A rushed behind was previously equal to one point but is now equal to three.

This rule doesn’t sit well with me. The so-called “rushed behind” was a great part of the game that is AFL football despite, the somewhat hilarious crowd reactions it would bring. Defender pressure will be increased immensely with this rule though, separating the men from the boys as they say.

5. Kicking backwards outside attacking 50m zone is counted as ‘play on.’

Another rule certain to affect team game plans.

Do we really need to see an umpires arguing over whether a ball was kicked one degree in front of what is considered backwards and so on. Seems unnecessary –time wasteing could have been reduced in a number of other ways – will be interesting to see the umpires judge this one however.

So what are your team’s chances in the Wizard Cup 2003?

How your team’s shaping up:

Brisbane: Nationally recognised as the team to beat in 2003 after a successful defence of their premiership crown the Lions will be tough to beat this year in any match they take part in.

Due to AFL rules however, as a product of their participation in the Grand Final of last year they will have had to start training a few weeks later than the other teams and hence may well be a little behind in their preparation.

Add this to last year’s performance which was hardly an accurate reflection on their premiership season, and you can’t help but think that the lions will win the early games and play youngsters from their vast list for the Wizard Cup, but shouldn’t really threaten too much for the title.

Some of Brisbane’s lesser known players will surely make an appearance here in an effort to show their wares. Awesomely strong team right across the park – it will all depend on whether Coach Matthews wants to risk the superstars.

Collingwood: In the same boat as Brisbane is, having had less preparation than rival teams. Last year the pies didn’t do particularly well in the preseason comp.

This leads me to believe, coupled with several recent comments by Mick Malthouse, that although the Magpies are taking the competition seriously, that they won’t be taking any risks, and much like last year won’t play a part in the final proceedings. Several youngsters should be tried.

Look for youngster Rhyce Shaw trying to make an impression on coaching staff, and Shane Woewodin in his first run since moving across from the Demons.

Weakness is the ruck; however Steve McKee has been improving in this area. Guy Richards may be one to watch as a future ruck prospect, if he has done a bit of weights work over the preseason.

Kangaroos: New coach Dean Laidley will surely be looking for a good start to the season with his new club.

Expect the Roos to come out pumped out at first. A rejuvenated game plan and some new recruits should help them out but they shouldn’t threaten far into the finals proceedings at this stage.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Roos game plan changes from the famous “Pagan’s paddock” strategy of the past. Watch for high profile recruit Daniel Wells – supposedly a star in the making.

Carlton: After arguably their worst history on record, on and off the field, you’d be looking for the Blues under new coach Denis Pagan to bounce back in a big way being the ‘superpower’ of the AFL that they are perceived to be.

Unfortunately, they still don’t have the depth to really threaten a finals position, but may win a few games with a fresh rush of enthusiasm early on.

Geelong: Could really make an impression this year, even more so than last year when we saw their exciting group of youngsters almost catapult them into a final series before fading near the finish.

Could be a surprise packet in the cup and is your best ticket if you’re looking for a roughie to win the cup.

Watch for newly crowned captain/ruckman Steven King and fresh deputy, specialist ‘tagger’ Cameron Ling. Youngsters Kelly, Ablett, and co. will be the ones to look out for if they’re to make an impact.

Essendon: Many are tipping the Dons to continue their downward spiral after their fall from the top of ladder in the last few seasons.

Expect the Dons to come out pumped with injured players from last year likely to return and stamp their authority.

Could figure in the finals but shouldn’t threaten for a grand final victory just yet. Well documented ruck problems according to many experts – expect young ruckman Hille to try and make an impact after showing great promise in previous seasons.

Adelaide: New recruit (so to speak) Wayne Carey will be the big story of the cup, although injuries during preseason may mean we don’t get to see a lot of him just yet. Watch for Ronnie Burns who was picked up from Geelong to fire alongside the dynamic current Brownlow medal favourite Andrew McLeod.

Port Adelaide: They seem to be primed each year for this one, and I’m sure they will be once again. If Primus can display his supreme dominance in the ruck, and Tredrea plays consistently enough they should have enough power to take out the cup.

A consistent list right across the ground similar to a Collingwood or Geelong makes for a predominantly starless team with a message to send.

Fremantle: Young team which improved vastly last year. Trent Croad really made his presence felt, and benefited from his permanent forward role. Further improvement should be seen once again but it won’t be enough for them to seriously threaten at this point.

Watch for the Wizard himself – former Demon Jeff Farmer - to make the Wizard Cup his own and past number one draft pick Des Headland to show his class.

The Dockers could well be the second surprise packet of the cup this year if they get on a roll. I somewhat ambitiously expect them to make the finals in the cup – the best batch of youngsters in the AFL – Medhurst and the Longmuir’s are stars in the making.

West Coast: John Worsfold took the reigns last season and immediately there was improvement within the Eagles ranks. Daniel Chick has moved across from the Hawks to the West but won’t do enough to give the Eagles a chance at the finals. Cousins will show his flair but it’s a team effort and the Eagles will need more contribution from its lesser likes if it’s to be a threat.

Sydney: Recruited Nick Davis from the Magpies in a trade which the pies weren’t particularly happy about but had to go through with in the end.

The Swans will be hoping the trade pays off for them and that Davis recaptures his 2001 form in his home state.

First full preseason under coach Paul Roos may have more of an effect on game plan and strategy than when he took over midseason last year. Desperately need a few additional youngsters (similar to the likes of Kennelly) to come through and play for the full duration of the cup if they’re to be any threat in the cup finals and indeed the season proper.

St. Kilda: Some good team list additions over the pre-season will no doubt help the Saints who have always showed glimpses of what they can produce but never really delivered.

Hopefully everything will fall into place for them and things will come together for their young group of players at a club which had been continually plagued by problems in past years.

As long as they don’t employ that ridiculous flooding strategy of yesteryear continued improvement should be the goal and with a more stable environment Grant Thomas will be seeking to get the best out of them and prove to the many sceptics that as a relatively unknown coach before current tenure, he can get results. At this stage the Saints won’t seriously threaten a finals place however.

Western Bulldogs: Arguably the best small forwards in the game. Brown, Johnson and co. will have to be on fire if the Bulldogs are to win the cup.

The bulldogs have always loved the tough stuff even with the departure of Liberatore – they have a good chance to take out the cup – Darcy’s dominance in the ruck will be a key factor and their defence will need to hold up under pressure if they’re to be a chance. I won’t even mention accuracy in kicking at goal.

Richmond: There has never been any doubt that when Richmond has its tall timber firing they can beat anybody in the competition.

While this is good thing it also highlights a lack of depth that was evident last year when they were plagued by injuries.

Richardson, Ottens, Stafford. These three will all need to fire. Players returning from injury will help. Could be a rough chance.

Melbourne: Faced huge outcry from its supporters after trading Woewodin to the Magpies to presumably to avoid salary cap troubles late last year.

A strong showing from the players they kept will be needed to prove that they made the right decision in making the trade and ensure supporters sign on the dotted line and renew their memberships again this year.

After a fine season last year will be interesting to see if Neitz can continue his good form. Players returning from injury will help, especially their defence.

Hawthorn: Underachieved immensely last year after showing they have one of the most talented bunches of youngsters in the league. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of the talented, flashy left footed young draftee, in his second season – Luke Hodge, after winning the hawks best first year player award last year.

Spider Everitt will be looking to make a good impression at his new club, and will importantly free up players like Thompson to play solely down forward.

The Hawks are another team with a rough chance at taking out the cup, but senior players need to hold up their end and show their wares, and support Captain Crawford.

There are my tips for the 2003 Wizard Home Loans Cup. With a few grands worth of prize money on offer to the victor, and that all important edge to be gained over your rivals psychologically early on in the year, all teams should put in a good showing come game time kick off on February 21.

For perhaps the first time ever, with the launch of the aforementioned “new rules” we will see teams preparing game strategies specifically for this competition, a rather exciting prospect that could draw some interesting results and bring a fresh dimension to the preseason competition that is gravely needed.

Overall, the finals-troubled, preseason specialists Port Adelaide should once again power on and make a strong start to the season, but as always “the proof will be in the pudding.”

By Andrew White (aka Whitey)