Changes to the AFL’s Review System
Football operations boss Greg Swann has indicated that there may be changes to the Australian Football League’s (AFL) controversial review system. He acknowledged that it had been a challenging week for the league headquarters, as ongoing controversies surrounding the tribunal and appeals board were further scrutinized by the public.
Swann made an announcement on Monday regarding the Australian Rules Football (ARC) decision-making process, stating that the ARC would no longer override a goal umpire’s decision unless the goal umpire specifically requested a review. This change comes in the wake of recent incidents that have sparked debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the current system.
One such incident occurred at Marvel Stadium when Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall was deemed to have marked the ball before it crossed the behind line during the second term. The sequence of events led to a significant disruption in play, with approximately 50 seconds, including 33 seconds of actual play, being lost. Initially, a behind was called without a score review, but after the field umpire halted action, the ball was returned to where Marshall had marked, allowing him to snap a goal.
This event prompted criticism from AFL great Matthew Lloyd, who described it as “one of the dumbest things he had seen in football.” Swann explained that the delay was due to officials reviewing the mark frame by frame, followed by additional delays in consulting the field umpires. However, he maintained that the correct call was ultimately made.
The AFL is currently exploring advanced technology and ball tracking systems to enhance the accuracy of goal reviews. Despite this, Swann emphasized that he wants umpires to remain the primary controllers of the game.
Recent Errors and Controversies
There was another instance of an incorrect decision by the ARC on Sunday. Replays showed that North Melbourne defender Griffin Logue’s fingers bent back as the ball passed his outstretched hand, yet a GWS goal was allowed to stand despite being reviewed. Swann admitted that the wrong call had been made, acknowledging that the ball had been touched.
The AFL has faced significant pressure following two contentious tribunal hearings last week involving Port Adelaide star Zak Butters and St Kilda’s Lance Collard. Butters was cleared of abusing an umpire after Port Adelaide successfully argued there had been a “miscarriage of justice” in the initial hearing. This came after an AFL tribunal member, Jason Johnson, disconnected from his desktop during the hearing and rejoined on his phone from inside his car while driving to an appointment.
Swann commented on the incident, saying, “No, you’d think it would not happen again. I mean, he was very apologetic.”
In another case, the AFL removed its appeals board chairman, Will Houghton, KC, just two days after the panel reduced Collard’s ban for using offensive language during a VFL match. Collard claimed he said “maggot” instead of the more offensive phrase. Houghton’s statement that such language is “commonplace” was strongly rejected by the AFL and the AFL Players Association.
Ongoing Reviews and Future Changes
Swann acknowledged that the past week had been difficult, noting that the AFL chief, Andrew Dillon, had expressed disagreement with Houghton’s decision. He also mentioned that the overall tribunal process is under review, with potential changes to reduce the input from legal counsel. Houghton will be replaced by the end of the week.
Swann reiterated his support for the stand rule, which aims to improve the flow of the game and scoring. However, he conceded that there was confusion in an incident between the Gold Coast and Hawthorn when Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was penalized. Swann clarified that the player was penalized for “cribbing,” or encroaching on the mark, rather than for not standing. He acknowledged that umpires could have been clearer in their instructions, particularly in calling out the player’s name.
Ongoing Investigations
The league’s review into how Carlton handled the mental health episode of Elijah Hollands during the match against Collingwood is still underway. Additionally, the AFL is expected to release its review into changes in how father-son and academy players are drafted as early as this week.
