I’m all for simplifying the rules. For example, I don’t know why they don’t just change the rule about a ball that touches the inside of the goal post being a behind. You could get rid of 30% of the reviews with that one change. Honestly, who cares about that rule? Why do we need to deploy a snicko? It's madness. Still a point for a ball bouncing back in play (for now).
I’d get rid of the accidental out-on-the-full rule because it just penalises dumb luck. If someone handballs it at your feel and it goes out off your boot, why is that a free kick? Players are always arguing about whether it grazed a boot on the way out. Just get rid of it. Only deliberate kicks count.
Deliberate out of bounds? Too hard. They’ve already brought this rule in by stealth, but if you deliberately kick it and no-one touches it before it goes over the line, then it’s a free kick (bundle this in with rule change above). Keep the throw ins for spoils, bobbles, players being pushed out and non-deliberate handballs out of bounds.
And I was a big fan of the hands-in-the-back rule because it made it easier for the umpires. It wasn’t perfect, but it was easier to adjudicate than whether a push is a actually a push or just using force to hold your ground. I mean, having rules of 'you know it when you see it' isn't great. It’s obviously too hard for umpires.
So yeah, I think it’s dumb how much attention is given to small deflections. If it’s touched off the boot (or lets say on the way up if you’re a bit further back) and it still goes 15 then it’s a mark or a goal. But if you touch it on the way down (ie, on the line or a spoil), then it’s not a goal or a mark. Or just get rid of replays for it and just acknowledge sometimes umpires get it wrong.
