‘We have Big Brother out there’:500-game umpire’s fear for the future
The Scoop
AFL 2024

‘We have Big Brother out there’:500-game umpire’s fear for the future

One of football’s most decorated umpires has warned of the ‘Big Brother’ element creeping into the game and has fears that technology may eventually render goal umpires obsolete.

  • bySam McClure

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Why goal umpires have been frustrated – and the AFL is going public about it
Exclusive
AFL 2024

Why goal umpires have been frustrated – and the AFL is going public about it

The AFL met with goal umpires on Tuesday to reassure them they were doing a good job in following AFL directions in asking for score reviews whenever a decision was close.

  • byPeter Ryan
There’s some ‘subconscious bias’ against Ginnivan on frees:ex-Hawthorn coach

There’s some ‘subconscious bias’ against Ginnivan on frees:ex-Hawthorn coach

Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan has not been given frees for high contact that he deserves because of what looks like “subconscious bias” by umpires,according to Peter Schwab.

  • byJake Niall
Big bags:Why the Essendon and West Coast woes were good for footy
Analysis
AFL 2024

Big bags:Why the Essendon and West Coast woes were good for footy

In a welcome sign for many fans,power forwards had their way last season. Charlie Curnow and Taylor Walker were among those to cash in,but can the good times roll on in 2024?

  • byJon Pierik
‘It should change the way players think’:The AFL’s rule changes for 2024 explained

‘It should change the way players think’:The AFL’s rule changes for 2024 explained

Watch videos illustrating the AFL’s rule changes for 2024,aimed at making the game safer for players. Plus find out why whistling is banned.

  • byPeter Ryan,Marc McGowan andScott Spits
Maynard ready to be ‘reprogrammed’;Magpies footy boss Wright to take six-month sabbatical

Maynard ready to be ‘reprogrammed’;Magpies footy boss Wright to take six-month sabbatical

Brayden Maynard says he is ready to be “reprogrammed” after the AFL outlawed the leaping spoil following the premiership defender’s collision with Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw in this year’s finals.

  • byRoy Ward
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New Maynard-Brayshaw rule for 2024 to outlaw smothers that concuss

New Maynard-Brayshaw rule for 2024 to outlaw smothers that concuss

Brayden Maynard’s attempted smother in the qualifying final that led to his opponent Angus Brayshaw being concussed would likely see him suspended under a new AFL rule.

  • byPeter Ryan
How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?

How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?

Under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy,Melbourne’s Joel Smith would record a first strike,receive a suspended fine and counselling. But here’s what happens under the league’s anti-doping code.

  • byPeter Ryan andJon Pierik
Umpire interpretation contributing to dangerous tackles,says Hardwick;Cameron leads Lions to win

Umpire interpretation contributing to dangerous tackles,says Hardwick;Cameron leads Lions to win

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes umpires’ interpretation of the holding the ball rule is a factor in the spate of dangerous tackles. Meanwhile,Charlie Cameron’s career-high seven goals have helped Brisbane beat GWS by 21 points.

  • byAndrew Wu andAAP
‘The game has a big decision’:Jude Bolton’s fears over tackles that ground players

‘The game has a big decision’:Jude Bolton’s fears over tackles that ground players

An old school footballer with modern views on concussion and player safety,Jude Bolton believes players who tackle opponents to the ground now run the risk of suspension.

  • byAndrew Wu
Ban the bounce? Danger calls for the AFL to turn back on tradition

Ban the bounce? Danger calls for the AFL to turn back on tradition

The AFL Commission voted to retain the centre bounce in a landmark decision ahead of the 2018 season,but Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield wants the issue revisited.

  • byPeter Ryan,Marc McGowan,Andrew Wu andJon Pierik