The problem with the AwFL is that if a coach or club official wants to question the umpiring, they have to go to their bank manager and arrange some serious finance first. The AwFL doesn't want anyone criticizing umpires, so the status quo remains. Freo do get more of the dodgy decisions, along with Port and the Bulldogs used to but have fallen into favor now. As is said many times, we can all live with bad decisions, but not 2 interpretations of the same rule in the same quarter. Have look at the replay of the tackle on Hartung just after D Pearce hurt his leg. 3rd quarter I think, then compare it with 4 or 5 tackles on Freo players in the same quarter.
If the rules are too open to interpretation and variables, simplify the bloody rule book. It's not rocket surgery, and would make the umpires job much easier.
1 If tackled, and you don't handpass or kick the ball you are penalized.
2 If tackled above the shoulders or below the knees, or without the ball, you receive a free kick.
3 If you control the ball after taking it untouched from a kick that has travelled more than 15 meters, it is a mark.
4 If you push some one in the back, it is a free kick against you.
5 If you duck into a tackle and fail to dispose of the ball by hand or foot it is a free kick against you.
6 If you deliberately force the ball out of bounds within 15 meters of where you disposed of it free kick against you
7 There is no prior opportunity.