UMPIRES were correct in paying a 50-metre penalty against Sydney Swan Kieren Jack for infringing the protected zone around the mark in their thrilling match against Hawthorn on Thursday night.
 
Umpires coach Hayden Kennedy said Jack did not show any intent to clear the zone surrounding Hawk Jonathan O'Rourke, after he marked outside the Hawks' forward 50 in the final seconds of the third quarter.
 
The subsequent 50-metre penalty resulted in a goal to O'Rourke after the three-quarter time siren.
 
"What we see in this particular case, is that Shaun Ryan, the umpire, is in a pretty good position," Kennedy said on Whistleblowers.
 
"And what we need to see Kieren do is make some intent to show he is clearing out the protected area, rather than running in a parallel line.
 
"Shaun's there, and he sees Kieren, sees that he's not making a clear attempt to clear out by going to his right, and therefore that's why that particular 50 was paid."
 
Laws of the Game committee member Michael Christian had said on RSN on Friday morning he thought the incorrect decision had been made, but Kennedy backed his umpire.
 
"We can't have an interpretation change – from five metres to 10 metres at the start of this year – and then allow players to be going through that protected area," he said.
 
"The guideline that we've used since the start of the year is that if you're closer to five, and have no impact on the play, that is going to be a 50.
 
"As soon as you are closer to 10 with no impact, we will allow that.
 
"In this particular case, once again, Shaun thought Kieren was closer to five, and so therefore that's why he paid the free kick."