Rule Changes ?

[JK]

I loathe rule changes, I really do, but it pains me to say that I think the SANFL need to consider the "Rushed Behind" rule that the AFL has adopted.

Firstly can I say, I don't like the rule in the AFL ...

Why not CP? Everytime I see the defenders have to turn around and actually work the ball out of defence I have a small cheer to myself. I hated the rushed behinds rule as it was. It's actually very interesting to see how many times they do find a way to get the ball out and keep the game moving, whereas last year they just would have taken the easier road.

Sorry mate, I probably should have said "I was vehemently opposed" to the introduction of the rule in the AFL (and I was seriously worked up* about it) ... That said, I haven't had much to complain about since it's been in action.

I still believe there's a place for Aussie Rules to have arm-wrestle moments in a game and it doesn't always need to be free-flowing pretty footy, but that said, the new rule we're talking about has added an interesting dimension to the game, I can't deny that.

[Grahaml]

I'd like to see what would happen if they removed the requirement the ball be kicked through by the attacking team for a goal to be scored. Any way it goes through being a goal. Instead of the defending team punching the ball through, it would be the attacking team! Would be interesting and would most definitely change things around.

But in all honesty, I don't think the SANFL need any rule changes. AFL I would actually bring in a substitutes rule. And I wouldn't restrict it to injuries either. I wouldn't mind coaches using it tactically. Just give them 2 replacements, to be used any time, any how and with anyone (so long as the players were listed as possible replacements on the team sheets). If a bloke gets injured early then they have someone available, if the coach just wants a structure change then so be it. I would imagine it would lead to more experimenting with kids in particular because you wouldn't be stuck with them for the whole game. Ie, last year if the crows wanted to give Walker a go in the second half of a game they could.

[HeartBeatsTrue]

3 rules I would like to see introduced.

When a player with a free kick or mark, makes any unneccessary movement (eg hold the ball above their head, pull their socks up, any signal whatsoever), the umpire immediately calls 'play on'. The stupid 'holding the ball above your head' thing doesnt happen in the SANFL but will sneak in eventually.

When a player has possesion of the ball, knowing they are about be tackled handballs to the ground, the tackler should be able to complete their tackle and not be penalised for holding the man.

Obvious "faking" for free kicks should be penalised.

[SnappyTom]

...
When a player has possesion of the ball, knowing they are about be tackled handballs to the ground, the tackler should be able to complete their tackle and not be penalised for holding the man.

That's a good idea that we sometimes see umpired, other times not. Basically it's nigh on impossible for a player to just stop what he's been building up to do in laying the tackle (especially if he's within a metre), and the guy handballing is not the focus any longer; he's released the ball - in other words, he's not being held as a recipient, just involved in the completion of an on-coming tackle.

Only grey area is blatant abuse of the player if hit unnecessarily hard, but that's a common sense ruling I'd say.

ST...

[FlyingHigh]

3 rules I would like to see introduced.

When a player with a free kick or mark, makes any unneccessary movement (eg hold the ball above their head, pull their socks up, any signal whatsoever), the umpire immediately calls 'play on'. The stupid 'holding the ball above your head' thing doesnt happen in the SANFL but will sneak in eventually.

.

Agree HBT, particularly at the AFL level where other times umpires are so keen to call play-on just because a player turns his head to look sideways - another example of a crap way the umpires are being told to interpret the game at AFL level.