US EditionDamien Hardwick Slams AFL for Umpire Contact Crackdown
- The AFL introduced a new rule this week stating that any player who contacts an umpire in a careless manner four or more times within a two-year period may be referred to the tribunal and risk suspension.
- This change responds to 63 umpire contact incidents recorded this season, up from 20 in 2023, showing players have not adjusted behavior despite earlier warnings.
- Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick criticized the crackdown as frustrating, noting most contact occurs uncontrollably at the centre bounce and called for replacing it with a ball-up.
- Hardwick issued a strong warning that the AFL should prepare for serious repercussions if star midfielder Matt Rowell ends up facing a tribunal, noting that Rowell is at risk after accumulating four fines within two years.
- The rule aims to improve umpire safety and enforce accountability, but Hardwick’s challenge suggests tensions remain over regulating uncontrollable gameplay aspects effectively.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
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Left
4
Center
1
Right
3
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
13%
R 38%
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