Re: AFLW Rd 2 2021 Carlton vs Western Bulldogs Friday at Whitten Oval
Reply #50 –
Charges Laid:I cannot recall this specific incident, I do recall an incident where a Dogs players slipped and Madi was penalised for high contact, I hope that isn't the charge!
Not specific to this incident, while I'm all for protecting the head I can't see a rule surviving long if players get penalised for instances of high contact caused by an opponent's actions. Slipping, head ducking, etc., etc., professional sport lawyers would have a field day! If the authorities do not get this right sooner or later someone will challenge things and the cart will be tipped, probably during the finals!
In one AFLW game I saw one team-mate propel/slingshot a team-mate into an opponent, in doing so they won a free for high contact, it was bizarre! Is this a genuine tactic, recruit some spuds and throw them at the opposition? The decision should be the exact opposite or play on, I realise how hard this is to umpire.
I remember Maddy executing a sling tackle and thinking at the time that she could be in trouble. Improving tackling technique to eliminate sling tackles should be a priority.