Crossword Genius

Two ways to stop footballer with lifting gear (5,3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

block and tackle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lifting gear' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'two ways to stop footballer with' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'stop' could be 'block' (synonyms) and 'block' is found within the answer.
'footballer' could be 'tackle' (tackle is a kind of footballer) and 'tackle' is found within the answer.
'with' could be 'and' and 'and' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for block and tackle that I've seen before include "lifting equipment" , "Rugby moves" , "Lifting gear" , "How sportsmen defend" , "weightlifter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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