Half-back Flank
The half-back flank was traditionally a defensive position, where reliability and toughness were more important than attacking flair. In the modern game, reliability and toughness must now be combined with the ability to run and carry the ball as well as take on the opposition. Coaches will often give half-back flankers the freedom to attack in an attempt to catch out the opposition with a quick counter-attack. Therefore, playing in this position requires pace, stamina and great kicking skills.
Notable half-back flankers over the years in Australian football include:
- Alec Epis (Essendon, 1958-1968)
- Barry Davis (Essendon and North Melbourne, 1961-1975)
- John Rantall (South Melbourne, North Melbourne and Fitzroy, 1963-1980)
- Ian Bremner (Collingwood and Hawthorn, 1966-1976)
- Bruce Doull (Carlton, 1969-1986), Norm Smith Medallist 1981; Named Half-back flank in AFL Team of the Century (1996)
- Stephen Wallis (Footscray, 1983-1996)
- Ken Hinkley (Fitzroy and Geelong, 1987-1995)
- Guy McKenna (West Coast, 1988-2000)
- Andrew McKay
- Rohan Smith
- Andrew McLeod
- Nigel Smart
- Luke Hodge
- Brendon Goddard
- Corey Enright
Read more about this topic: Half-back Line
Famous quotes containing the word flank:
“There’s an enduring American compulsion to be on the side of the angels. Expediency alone has never been an adequate American reason for doing anything. When actions are judged, they go before the bar of God, where Mom and the Flag closely flank His presence.”
—Jonathan Raban (b. 1942)