The AFL has notified all clubs that two of the five “protected area” frees paid during the season’s opening game on Thursday night were incorrect — and another one was “marginal”.
“All field umpired will be briefed on these particular instances prior to the rest of the weekend’s games,” the AFL wrote in a letter to clubs.”
After Thursday’s game Richmond coach Damien Hardwick gently raised the issue of consistency surrounding the protected area infringements.
“It’s a rule, we understand that, and we’ve got some work to do on that part of the game,” Hardwick said.
“But if the rules are in play I’m very happy provided they are consistent, because that way we know what we’re playing with.”
READ THE AFL NOTE TO CLUBS HERE:
AFL advises the Umpiring Dept reviewed several key decisions from last night’s Rich/Carl game concerning the protected area for a player with the ball. This area has been strongly reinforced to clubs over the off-season.
— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) March 23, 2018
The attached note was forward to all clubs this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/HF1Ex8FRvk
