Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker has been told not to change his game despite being banned for two AFL matches for a controversial tackle.
Crows’ coach Brenton Sanderson said an element of greyness existed over tackling and sliding, but he didn’t want Walker to alter his style.
The AFL’s leading goal kicker was suspended for two games for a sling tackle which dazed Geelong’s Harry Taylor last weekend.
Just two seasons ago, Walker’s tackle would have been applauded, Sanderson said.
“We don’t want to change the way that he plays because that is what has helped him get in great form – his ability to chase and tackle and put pressure on the opposition,” Sanderson told reporters on Thursday.
“Sometimes, you can be a little bit over-zealous.
“It was a tricky one for us because, two or three years ago, we would have said ‘great tackle’.
“Now unfortunately, it’s a report and it’s a suspension, so players have to change their technique slightly now.”
Sanderson on Thursday oversaw Adelaide’s training which focused, in part, on tackling methods.
“The AFL have been pretty clear they have to be really wary of players hitting their head – we have been aware of that,” he said.
“It’s just really hard – spur of the moment, you have laid a good tackle and, talking in old terms, you want to finish the tackle off.
“But unfortunately, you can’t finish the tackle like you used to so that is something we have got to keep working on with the players.”
Sanderson also said changes to the sliding rule created added confusion.
“I understand what they (the AFL) are trying to achieve,” he said.
“It’s still very fresh – it’s still very raw. I think players are still going to want to dive on the ball and normally protect themselves with their legs sliding in.
“As technology gets better and better, we can slow instances down and it just looks really bad if you go frame by frame by frame. Some things look horrific, whereas maybe five, 10 years ago, a lot of these things would have just been play on or good tackle.
“I think we have to try and coach or teach them out of it, but that is going to take time.”
