The Bowden Rule . . .

It's finally clear, from video explanation released via The Age website, that the deliberate behind rule is all but totally the Bowden Rule.

There are two fairly obvious observations: the notion of "the benefit of the doubt' has been stretched near to breaking point; and the McMahon decision was a complete and utter brain fade on the part of the umpire concerned.

The video makes it clear that the Bowden Manoeuvre is the intended target of the rule. Why did Adrian Anderson not say so directly, or release an appropriate package of video, at the time of the announcement? It cannot have taken ten weeks to iron out what the rule means. The footballing public have been treated like mushrooms!

Questions raised about a lawyer administering football must once again be raised. Neither the legal nor the footballing senses of the Operations chief's role have been fulfilled with distinction recently.

Comments in relation to umpires seeing a cause for a free kick before blowing the whistle are not negated by these announcements.

Jeff, on your way out, grab Adrian and take him with you. Thanks, mate.