AFL changes bench rule
May 16th 2008 00:51
The issue has been brewing ever since Swan Jesse White became the 19th man on the field against North Melbourne several weeks ago. The AFL has now decided to introduce an "interchange revolution", and Collingwood Coach Mick Malthouse isn't too happy.
Malthouse has accused the AFL of double standards by changing the rules mid-season, after he was told that the rules could not be changed until the end of the year.
"Two years ago I'm sure I rang someone from the AFL, I'm not going to say who, and suggested that we have got to seriously look at whatever (rule) I was talking about," Malthouse said.
"The word was we do not change rules or procedures during the football season.
"I'm not complaining about it. I just think you can't tell me with one breath that you don't change the rules and a year later you do."
Ironically, Malthouse's team will be the first involved in the application of the new laws, when the Magpies take on St. Kilda tonight. Teams will be given a week's grace to get the rule right, but will be strictly enforced as of Round Nine.
Players now have to stand in a box, an wait until they are given an official word to enter the field. If a player does not come off - or go onto - the ground properly, the opposition will be given a free kick and a 50-metre penalty, practically gifting a goal.
Rising star Dane Swan says that the players know the rules, and that everybody is in the same position.
"We have been told the rules and the box you have to stand in," Swan said.
"I think what it might do is stop the really quick interchanges. If two or three come off at the same time, there might be a bit of a pause. Hopefully when goals are kicked, it might be the most important time to come off."
But the last word goes to Malthouse: "I wouldn't want to be the second player that does it, I'll give you the tip."
"It's pretty brutal, but the other side of the coin is if you get caught with 19 players on, technically you could lose your whole score."
Malthouse has accused the AFL of double standards by changing the rules mid-season, after he was told that the rules could not be changed until the end of the year.
"Two years ago I'm sure I rang someone from the AFL, I'm not going to say who, and suggested that we have got to seriously look at whatever (rule) I was talking about," Malthouse said.
"The word was we do not change rules or procedures during the football season.
"I'm not complaining about it. I just think you can't tell me with one breath that you don't change the rules and a year later you do."
Ironically, Malthouse's team will be the first involved in the application of the new laws, when the Magpies take on St. Kilda tonight. Teams will be given a week's grace to get the rule right, but will be strictly enforced as of Round Nine.
Players now have to stand in a box, an wait until they are given an official word to enter the field. If a player does not come off - or go onto - the ground properly, the opposition will be given a free kick and a 50-metre penalty, practically gifting a goal.
Rising star Dane Swan says that the players know the rules, and that everybody is in the same position.
"We have been told the rules and the box you have to stand in," Swan said.
"I think what it might do is stop the really quick interchanges. If two or three come off at the same time, there might be a bit of a pause. Hopefully when goals are kicked, it might be the most important time to come off."
But the last word goes to Malthouse: "I wouldn't want to be the second player that does it, I'll give you the tip."
"It's pretty brutal, but the other side of the coin is if you get caught with 19 players on, technically you could lose your whole score."
| 53 |
| Vote |
