The Fremantle Dockers have been renowned as one of the top defensive sides over the past few years, but after conceding more than 100 points in the first two games of 2016, questions have arisen about the evolving nature of AFL football.
It has been well documented that Freo have worked on ball movement and fostering a more attacking mindset, but defensive coach Michael Prior said the team wouldn’t abandon the plan, despite a disappointing start to the year.
“You have to keep moving with the times, you can’t stay stagnant,” Prior told 6PR.
“You have to try things even when you’re at the top of your game.
“If you don’t try things, you’re never going to improve.”
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While admitting to the temptation of returning to the low scoring, defensive approach that has been so effective in recent years, Prior said reverting back to one-on-one tactics wasn’t possible in the modern game.
“It’s definitely going to be a talking point for us,” he said.
“We thought we’ve been pretty good over the last couple years playing a different style.
“But the game has changed too much to go right back to that one-on-one style.”
Prior also said the positive relationship between the playing group and coaches would allow the club to persist and effectively implement the adjustments needed win this season.
“I don’t think the players will lose faith at all,” he said
“We’ve got a really good, coachable group.
“It’s not just us either, they’re heavily involved with the input as well.
“We go in with a plan, we try to implement it, and that’s from coaches and players.”
