Dirty Ball Entry

When to Use:

• Opposition has set up a dominant tall/key defender.

• Your key forwards are struggling to impact contests.

• The opposition is winning via intercepts, spoils, or 1v2 mismatches.

Tactical Objectives:

• Shift to “dirty ball” entry: long or low-percentage kicks designed to create ground ball contests inside forward 50.

• Target leg-speed small forwards—dangerous players who can win contests at ground level.

• Have mids cascade forward:

  • Support front-half pressure,

  • Form handball chains or scramble entries around the contest.

• Create overlap opportunities through pressure,

• Designed to create momentum swings and chaotic scoring chances.

Drills:

• Scenario-based play outs using rotating personnel.

• Emphasise speed and ground ball reaction—tailor to players with burst and agility.

• Build a culture of relentless pressure and desperation to score:

  • “Fight to the death” contest drills,

  • Apply high-pressure decisions under fatigue.