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During the recent off-season, the AFL introduced a series of rule changes to combat defensive play and generate fatigue.
However, a “stupid” move during Thursday evening’s clash between the Sydney Swans and Essendon Bombers proves there’s still some room for improvement.
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The AFL reduced the maximum number of interchange rotations for the 2021 premiership to 75 per team, down from 90 last year.
There were concerns the rule change would create more injuries, so the league also introduced a controversial medical substitution less than 48 hours before last month’s season opener.
Less than five minutes into Thursday evening’s game at the SCG, Essendon forward Jake Stringer snapped a classy goal to get the Bombers on the scoreboard.
But despite being on the field for only a few minutes, the 26-year-old was immediately rotated out of the contest.
Stringer kicked three consecutive goals against St Kilda last weekend, but the Essendon coaching staff seemingly didn’t believe he would repeat the feat.
Former Geelong star Dwayne Russell was unimpressed with the move, saying on AFL Nation: “He’s the hottest player on the ground at that moment, it’s just stupid to come off. It’s a sign there are still too many rotations in the game.”
Stringer scored his second goal of the night soon after returning to the action, helping Essendon once again reclaim the lead and briefly widen the margin to 25 points.
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The first half in Sydney was headlined by a cluster of young guns, most notably Bombers teenager Nik Cox.
Playing in just his fourth AFL game, Cox pulled off a bootlace pick-up at speed before kicking a goal from 45 metres on his weak foot to extend Essendon’s lead in the opening term.
The 19-year-old utility also contributed 10 disposals and two marks in the first half.
After being rested for Sydney’s round three fixture, footy icon Buddy Franklin booted two majors before halftime.
Meanwhile, Swans forward Isaac Heeney is expected to be sidelined for a month after suffering a broken hand.
He missed a large portion of the 2021 premiership after suffering a serious ankle injury against the Richmond Tigers.
Sydney fought back in the second term with a six-goal blitz to reduce the margin, before a tightly-contested arm wrestle in the third quarter set up a thrilling finish.
The Bombers held a 10.6 (66) to 9.11 (65) lead at three-quarter time.
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