And this skill stood out in games. It was sensational stuff. So often the unforgettable highlight of a game was the spectacular pack mark. But it rarely happens today. And the reason it doesn't happen today is because players are instructed that the last thing they should do is kick the ball long to a contest situation.
Coaches consider it too risky.
Coaches would much prefer that the ball be passed short, either sideways or forward to a teammate in space. Keep possession, keep possession, is what is drilled into players. As a result we are seeing games where the marks tally is high but the number of high marks is low. The Bombers set the trend. Essendon's priority as it goes forward is to see the ball kicked to a teammate on the lead inside the forward 50.