I like 8 out of 9 of the rule/interpretation changes. One by one:
i. Traditional Playing Positions at Centre Bounce: Sure, why not?
ii. Kick-Ins from further out: Who doesn’t want to see Nathan Wilson launch balls to the chest of B Hill in the centre square? I would have liked the 20m semi-circle though.
iii. Marks / Free Kicks within 9m man brought back: Yep. It’s always awkward when the guy marks on the goal post then has to navigate them on the kick out.
iv. Runners and water carriers: Get off the field you clowns.
v. Setting up behind umpires: It’s dirty pool, and human decency should stop this practice, but I guess sometimes to you need to legislate for human decency.
vi. 50-Metre Penalty: Seems strange to give someone an advantage of 50m, only to make them faff about while the offending player sorts his business out.
vii. Around the body after the siren: It also seems weird to allow the execution of a skill all game, only to deprive the players of the opportunity for the most important kick of a game.
viii. Ruck Contests: Not sure who called for this to revert back? I look forward to the rule being flipped once again the first time Freo winds down the clock in the final minutes by Sandi just grabbing the ball and going to ground.
ix. Hands in the back: I think the hands-in-the-back rule was a good addition, but it did penalise a forward who is in prime position when the defender backs into him. Even the slightest hand graze would see the defender get the free kick. I read this change as only applying to this situation, as opposed to players on the lead. Before the hands-in-the-back rule that used to be a nightmare to umpire, so I don’t think that will change.
