Pagan's Paddock

English

Alternative forms

• Pagan's paddock

Etymology

In reference to Denis Pagan, the coach who popularised the tactic in the 1990s.

Noun

Pagan's Paddock (plural Pagan's Paddocks)

1. (usually Australian rules football) A sporting tactic in which a large amount of space is deliberately left open in the attacking area of the ground, into which players can run.
   • 2002 17 July, Epigram (username), Connolly's Carousel, in aus.sport.aussie-rules, Usenet:

     While on the subject, does anyone think that the days of Pagan's Paddock are numbered? Over the weekend, a number of clubs used this tactic, but it seems to me, at least, that if the defence can't break past the centre, the ball just goes back into the attacking 50, and eventually a score will happen.

2. (usually Australian rules football) A large amount of space on a sportsground, often created by this tactic.
   • 2017 September 18, Andrew McGarry, “AFL finals week two: The heroes and villains from the elimination semi-finals”, in ABC News‎^[1], archived from the original on 2 October 2018:

     Given a veritable Pagan's Paddock by the Cats to work in on Friday night, Danger booted two goals in the first seven minutes to send Geelong fans into orbit.