A ‘back to basics’ umpiring approach in the opening two rounds has resulted in more free-flowing football, and it’s proven a hit among the fans.
Fewer free kicks are being paid and 50/50 decisions are being let go, making for a more attractive brand of football.
The evidence of the whistle being put away is in the numbers; just 16.5 free kicks have been awarded to each team per game - the lowest figure since 2002.
Under the guidance of AFL umpiring director Wayne Campbell and assistant Hayden Kennedy, two major changes have been made.
High tackles and push in the back free kicks have almost halved, with umpires cracking down on players ducking their heads to win free kicks, and allowing more latitude in marking contest, arguably levelling the playing field for the defenders.
While most have thrown support behind the new approach, former rule of the game committee member Kevin Bartlett has provided opposition.
“I think at the moment [umpiring] has deteriorated,” he said on SEN.
“It’s all very well to let the game flow, but you have to umpire by the rules. If it’s in the rule book, you pay the free, or you change the rules.”
No goal-line cameras
The Herald Sun has revealed the AFL won’t install goal-line cameras at all venues this year, despite several controversial ‘inconclusive’ calls in the opening two rounds.
AFL football operations boss Mark Evans says trials will continue at selected venues before a potential $500,000 investment in the technology.
“(Cameras) are not cheap and it’s certainly not an easy exercise when you look at the complications from venue to venue,’’ he said.
“We have sped reviews up enormously and got better results with conclusivity. We have still only had seven reviews across 18 games and in five we were well served by technology and in two it was inconclusive.”
The AFL currently uses GoPro cameras mounted on goal umpires’ heads, costing several thousand dollars per game.
