Time and Space: The Tactics That Shaped Australian Rules - and the Players and Coaches Who Mastered Them

Description

An accomplished book about the genius and ingenuity of the game's greats (and the forgotten) and how they have shaped the game through the innovation of tactics. From Pagan's Paddock to Clarkson's Cluster, from Fitzroy's huddle to Sydney's flood, the tactics of Australian football have become part of the vernacular. In this groundbreaking book, ABC journalist James Coventry reveals the secrets behind them all. You'll meet the German gymnast who taught Geelong how to break the game from its rugby roots; the two Test cricketers who became footy's first great coaches; and the water polo player who shaped the modern AFL. Along the way you'll learn how South Australia pioneered the flick pass; how a rule suggested by Tasmania helped Collingwood win four straight flags; and how Fremantle revolutionised the use of the interchange bench. Time and Space is essential reading for any fan who wants to know why their team does what it does, and why it wins or loses.

James Coventry has worked for the ABC since 2002. He is currently the Deputy Sports Editor and can be heard presenting the morning sports news across Australia on ABC Radio. In 2009 he was the national winner of the AFL's Dream Team competition, and he has written about fantasy football for the AFL Prospectus. He lives in Adelaide with his wife and two children.