AFL gets it half right

for anything untoward.

The last thing the sport needs is another four set of eyes making decisions which could turn a game. Remember, boundary umpires are usually aspiring field umpires, so why wouldn't they insert themselves into the game in a bid to give themselves some profile?

The second foolish change sees the holding the ball rule even more complicated by a player raking the ball underneath an opponent now being liable for committing the same offence as the one he is claiming his opponent is doing.

Previously, the most incorrect outcome was that an umpire would rule a free kick instead of a ball-up or visa-versa, but now the result of an incorrect decision could see a free kick go the wrong way. As opposed to the advantage rule, which takes the burden off the umpire, this rule change puts more pressure on them and will no doubt provoke ire among the fans.

The majority of fans want fewer free kicks paid not more and the AFL needs to recognise the desire for the game to become one of continuity, not penalties. Hopefully, the NAB Cup is a long enough experiment to sort out those rule changes based on common sense from those which could change the very nature of the game for the worse.