In the sport of Australian rules football, the half-back line refers to the positions of the 3 players on the field that occupy the centre half-back and left and right half-back flank positions.
Centre half-back
The role of the centre half-back is similar to that of a defensive midfielder in association football. As the first line of defence, the centre half-back must aim to break down opposition attacks before they can get into a scoring position.[1] Given that a centre half-back's opponent is usually the centre half-forward, the role is regarded as a key position in the team, and is usually reserved for tall and well-built players.
As one of the team's leaders, centre half-backs must be able to read the play and have good communication skills.[2] Although their first responsibility is to defend,[2] the great centre half-backs have proven to be equally creative in attack as well as reliable in defence.
Notable centre half-backs from over the years include:
- Albert Chadwick ( and , 1920–1929)[1]
- Walter "Wacka" Scott (, 1920–1932),[3] Magarey Medallist 1921, 1924, 1930
- Albert "Leeter" Collier ( and , 1925–1941),[4] Brownlow Medallist 1929
- Reg Hickey (, 1926–1940)[4]
- Denis Cordner (Melbourne, 1943–1956)[4]
- Ron Clegg (, 1949–1960),[4] Brownlow medallist 1949
- Ian "Bluey" Shelton (, 1959–1965)[4]
- Peter Knights (Hawthorn, 1969–1985)[4]
- Bill Picken (Collingwood and , 1974–1986)[4]
- Jim Jess (, 1976–1988)[4]
- Ross Glendinning ( and , 1978–1988),[4] Brownlow medallist 1983
- Paul Roos (Fitzroy and Sydney, 1982–1998)[4]
- Glen Jakovich (West Coast, 1991–2004)[4]
Half-back flank
The half-back flank was traditionally a defensive position, where reliability and toughness were more important than attacking flair.[1] In the modern game, reliability and toughness must now be combined with the ability to run and carry the ball as well as take on the opposition in a counter-attacking style.[5]
Notable half-back flankers over the years in Australian football include:
- Alec Epis (, 1958–1968)[1]
- Barry Davis (Essendon and , 1961–1975)[1]
- John Rantall (, North Melbourne and , 1963–1980)[1]
- Ian Bremner ( and , 1966–1976)[1]
- Bruce Doull (, 1969–1986),[1] Norm Smith Medallist 1981; Named Half-back flank in AFL Team of the Century (1996)
- Stephen Wallis (, 1983–1996)[1]
- Ken Hinkley ( and , 1987–1995)[1]
- Guy McKenna (, 1988–2000)[1]
- Andrew McKay
- Rohan Smith
- Andrew McLeod
- Nigel Smart
- Luke Hodge
- Brendon Goddard
- Corey Enright
- Shannon Hurn
- Beau Waters
- Adam Saad
- Bachar Houli
- Christian Salem
- Jack Sinclair
- Lachie Whitfield
References
- ^ Pascoe, 1995, p. 28
- ^ Northey, John (24 March 2010). "Playing Position Centre Half Back". Archived from the original on 31 December 2012.
- ^ "TEAM OF THE CENTURY". norwoodfc.com.au. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ^ Pascoe, 1995, p. 29
- ^ "Team Play and Game Plans: Position descriptions". AFL Youth Coaching Manual. Australian Football League. 2012. p. 92. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013.
Bibliography
- Pascoe, Robert (1995). The winter game : the complete history of Australian football. Port Melbourne: The Text Publishing Company. ISBN 0-85561-644-X.