Greenwood was reported, and later cleared of any wrongdoing after a collision with the Bombers’ Mark Baguley, raising questions about the sliding rule.
But umpire Simon Meredith has told AFL.com.au the decision was justified.
“In this instance it’s a correct free kick for a high tackle,” he said.
“Baguley was on the ground and he doesn’t make forceful contact to Greenwood’s legs, forcing him to go to ground.
“What we are looking for is that bowling ball type of action; in this case it doesn’t happen. It’s a correct high tackle.”
After the game, Brad Scott was asked his thoughts on the incident.
“I thought that if you slid in and made contact with someone below the knees it was a free kick for you, not against you.
“The umpires’ directors will tell us, was it a mistake or has something changed with the interpretation? I think that needs to be clarified. If it’s a mistake, fine, everyone makes mistakes.”
Perhaps confusing the issue, a similar scenario during the last quarter saw Aaron Black penalised again.
“In this situation it should be contact below the knees, because the player (Hibberd) has made that bowling ball type of action,” Meredith added.
“He’s gone through with momentum and made forceful contact below the knees, so that should be a free kick, not a high tackle.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the incidents and decide for yourself | YouTube
Open training: Thursday 11:30am at Arden Street. Autographs and photos with the players available at the conclusion of the session.
