Only a technicality

Our beloved game has been brought to a low point through inconsistency. The mild controversy raging over the closing stages of the Second Qualifying Final between St Kilda and Geelong has brought even more inconsistency to the game.

 

Many pundits have queried why the free kick was paid when Mooney fell into Gwilt’s back, the rationale being something along the lines of,

“…technically it was there, but there were others just like it that were missed…”

or

“…technically it was there, but let the game flow in those last few minutes…”.

 

So, now we ask the umpires to adjust how they umpire the game and apply different rules to certain parts of the game?

 

We at AussieRulesBlog find these to be completely fatuous arguments. The rules must be applied in exactly the same way, at every point during the game, in every game from the first practice game to the Grand Final! Consistency of application and interpretation is the single biggest gripe with the game. Yet, when there’s a sentimental moment, many of us are prepared to dismiss consistency on a whim.

 

If the free kick is technically there, then it’s a free kick, end of story. Coaches, players and fans have to be consistent too! The clamour should be to ask why it is not being paid in the same way more often!