FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says a trial of zones in the pre-season would ruin the preparations of all teams for the season proper.
Lyon was keen to point out that John Worsfold's theorising of a zone rule on Monday seemed to be just an idea, as opposed to any formal proposal from the AFL laws of the game committee.
Lyon said he would respond to a formal presentation on the concept but when asked about whether he would like to see a formal trial of zones in the pre-season he quickly let his feelings be known.
"Let's destroy everyone's pre-season," Lyon said.
"We're an elite competition trying to get ready for an AFL season where we need to win, and all of a sudden … we'd be the only elite competition in the world that goes into a brutal competition not practicing the rules they're going to play in-season.
"I struggle with that concept, even though we're there to experiment.
"My take is, and I'm really firm on this, the uniqueness and magnificence of Australian Rules football always finds a way."
Lyon echoed the thoughts of his friend and mentor, Melbourne coach Paul Roos, in saying the game was as good as it has ever been.
"I think all the panic merchants need to have a cup of tea and a scone and just relax and let's see how we go," Lyon said.
"I think the game's in great shape. Tex (Walker) kicked five (goals last week). Buddy and Kurt Tippett are a dynamic duo up (in Sydney). They’re kicking 20 goals a week and there's a few teams kicking 16.
"I'm sure we'll have a great finals series again this year."
Lyon quickly turned his attention to Adelaide this Sunday with Taylor Walker at the forefront of his mind.
Walker has kicked 26 goals in seven outings against Fremantle and averaged just shy of seven marks per game. The Crows' key forward bagged a match-winning five goals to sink the Dockers in the 2012 semi-final when Luke McPharlin was absent injured.