Below the knees rule

[Doc26]

Re: Below the knees rule

Interesting discussion.
Players do need to show a duty of care when contesting a contest and to gain a position advantage. As the OP mentions, the incident that sparked this off back in 2012 was Lindsay Thomas on Gary Rohan which is quite different to Easton's on Hannebery's although no doubt with similar intent to win the football. Slowed up, Thomas actually raises his foot and unintentionally 'stomps' on Rohan's ankle, which with momentum forces the break of Rohan's ankle.

Thomas / Rohan Incident

With Easton on Hannebery, Hannebery is retreating slightly from the contest, no doubt expecting to be hit by Easton, with Easton getting his hands on the ball before Hannebery. I'm not even sure Hannebery touches the ball. For mine, this image helps clarify the issue of duty of care and 'intent.'

[LostDoggy]

Re: Below the knees rule

Easton just wanted that pill a little bit more then Hannebry did.

[KT31]

Re: Below the knees rule

Hate it with a passion. To me, it's punishing the guy who goes hard at the ball and gets there first.

Agree, its encouraging a player to stand back and hope the bloke who is attacking the ball collects him.

[jeemak]

Re: Below the knees rule

Hate it with a passion. To me, it's punishing the guy who goes hard at the ball and gets there first.

Agree, its encouraging a player to stand back and hope the bloke who is attacking the ball collects him.

The AFL genuinely wants players to be second to the footy with this and the dragging the ball in rules. You can fall forwards whilst out of control, land on the footy, have someone hold it to your chest, and get pinged for holding the ball. It's amazing.

With deliberate out of bounds the AFL is encouraging players to kick to the opposition or be penalised. What a stupid concept. I love watching players set up and contest boundary throw ins, it's a great part of our game the AFL wants to remove.

[Bornadog]

Re: Below the knees rule

Agree, its encouraging a player to stand back and hope the bloke who is attacking the ball collects him.

There was a moment in the Prelim where that is what almost happened. Patton spilled the mark and then just waited for Wood to rush in to grab the ball. Patton was either gutless to put his head down, or just wanted to tackle and not attack the ball

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Below the knees rule

Very difficult umpiring decision. To the letter of the law, I think it should have been paid. Apologies to Swans fans who I respect, and if they vent a little it's because they love their club, but as many themselves admitted after the game, it would not have affected the results.
Frankly, I thought the game was umpired well. If you want more frees, get first to the footy. To their credit, many Swans fans admitted this. I thought their venting was quite intelligent and respectful.

[boydogs]

Re: Below the knees rule

Perfect freeze frame that shows Wood was still on his feet when he got hands to the ball. He then went forward onto his knees to protect the ball and brace for contact. Nothing like taking the legs of the player over the ball