AFL AwFuL Rules:
Kicking In After a Behind
Nowadays, the ball can be kicked in, after a behind has been scored, almost
immediately. We see spineless defenders taking the easy option of running over the goal line then
wheeling straight back into play.
They should be made to wait until the goal-umpire has raised a flag.
Opposition forwards should be able to tackle the defender with the ball as he wheels
into the square because it is not DOWN TO THEM to determine whether a point has been
scored, a goal has been scored or the ball is still in play. That is realm the of the
umpires.
I surrender .... twice.
The fact that the goal-umpire has put a finger up is of little consequence.
Inevitably, some players fail to see the finger put up because they are obscured by
others, are facing away or are on the ground after a collision. The official recognition
of a point should be one white flag which all can see, players and spectators.
Under the present rules when a defender immediately kicks in the opposition has no option
other than to flood and flood quickly.
There are plenty of teams in the competition willing to play one-on-one (and pick up the
short lead in the pocket) but they simply do not have the time to do so. Flooding is
their only option.
A pox on the AFL for making this change.
A pox on the AFL for being the biggest contributor to flooding.
