Markers Must Stand Straight

[nqboy]

I've noticed an emerging trend recently that will quickly reach plague proportions if not dealt with by the refs, that of the 2nd markers not standing stright behind the 1st marker.

Generally, it takes the form of the second marker putting his left hand on the right shoulder (or vice versa) of the 1st marker, providing far greater coverage in defence, discouraging dummy-half running and making the hit-ups much easier to target.

How this can go unnoticed with two on-field refs and all the off-field support and reviews they get beggars belief.

C'mon Hollywood, earn your money.

 

[Perth Red]

Has having two refs made a blind bit of difference to cleaning up the ruck or keeping sides onside?

Maybe the Arlc should save half million dollars a year and go back to one ref?

 

[nqboy]

Off topic, but yes, two refs has made a difference. I think people forget too easily how bad it was before the second ref was introduced.

 

[docbrown]

Generally, it takes the form of the second marker putting his left hand on the right shoulder (or vice versa) of the 1st marker, providing far greater coverage in defence, discouraging dummy-half running and making the hit-ups much easier to target.

Okay, at the risk of digital tomatoes and lettuces getting thrown at me, I actually don't mind it. It may not appeal to everyone but I'm all for say a 1 metre zone where they can stand.

If a player can still make a hit up or dummy half run under such circumstances it's more deserved.

I appreciate it more so for the fact that it discourages simplistic play and forces teams to get creative.

(I await the return fire bullets! )

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

I'd say a bigger problem is players playing the ball moving off the mark before playing it.

 

[Usain Bolt]

dummy half runs are boring

 

[bobmar28]

Has having two refs made a blind bit of difference to cleaning up the ruck or keeping sides onside?

Maybe the Arlc should save half million dollars a year and go back to one ref?

Then you would have a situation of markers not square. One ref can't watch everything.

 

[Frank_Grimes]

I'd say a bigger problem is players playing the ball moving off the mark before playing it.

This, and the tackled player manhandling the "prospective marker" out of positon.

I've noticed it over a couple of seasons now, where the tackled player will hold down, or shove the tackler behind him before playing the ball, making the tackler unable to stand at marker, in essence, taking out a defender. It's no more noticeable than Dave Taylor's trademark "flip the tackler over your head before playing the ball" routine.

I also noticed Scott Prince likes to give the 1st marker a "hug" after playing the ball, effectively slowing down his opportunity to chase down the acting half.

 

[***MH***]

Players should be made to pull up their socks before taking up position as marker. This is not being policed and is getting out of hand :alcho:

 

[Peppers]

Okay, at the risk of digital tomatoes and lettuces getting thrown at me, I actually don't mind it. It may not appeal to everyone but I'm all for say a 1 metre zone where they can stand.

If a player can still make a hit up or dummy half run under such circumstances it's more deserved.

I appreciate it more so for the fact that it discourages simplistic play and forces teams to get creative.

(I await the return fire bullets! )

Spot on