fiveeighthplays

fiveeighthplays is a term used in Australian rules football to describe a specific type of offensive play. It refers to a situation where a team attempts to move the ball forward from a defensive or midfield position by kicking it long to a player positioned in the forward half of the ground, typically around the center wing or forward 50 arc. The aim is to bypass the opposition's midfield and create scoring opportunities closer to goal.

This type of play is often characterized by a long, arcing kick, designed to carry over the heads of contesting midfielders and land in a favorable position for a leading forward or a mid-sized player who can mark or crumb the ball. It can be a high-risk, high-reward tactic, as a poorly executed kick can be easily intercepted by the opposition. However, a successful fiveeighthplay can quickly change the momentum of a game and lead to quick goals.

The effectiveness of fiveeighthplays depends on various factors, including the skill of the kickers, the positioning and leading patterns of the forwards, and the defensive setup of the opposing team. Coaches often use this tactic to exploit defensive weaknesses or to inject speed and unpredictability into their forward line. It is a fundamental element of attacking strategy in Australian rules football.