The decision to charge David Mackay for his alleged bump and send him to the tribunal is a signal by Steve Hocking that he and the AFL want to recalibrate what has long been considered 'incidental contact'. | OPINION via The Age Real Footy AFL
is a signal by AFL football boss Steve Hocking that he and the league want to recalibrate what has long been considered “incidental contact”.
Most of us are thinking about what Mackay did when we view the incident. The AFL and Hocking must also be mindful of what parents might do with their sons and daughters, and what lawyers might do on behalf of banged-up past players. Former Tiger Matthew Richardson reflected the traditional thinking in his comment during the broadcast. “That’s just an attack on the ball from both players.”Mackay’s actions, at worst, fit into a grey zone of acceptable contact, because he is so close to taking the up-for-grabs ball.
As with many social changes that influence footy, this debate is headed in one direction. The AFL will err on the side of player safety, putting a heavier onus on the aggressor in the contest. The smart coaches already know this, as Simon Goodwin demonstrated in comments about Mackay and Clark. They will train players accordingly.They will be told to tackle, not bump. Even to let the opponent take the ball.
Healy said incidental contact is part of the game. “No one is arguing about the big picture. The issue is how you get there.”
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