Speaking after Collingwood’s 52-point win over North Melbourne, Malthouse said both teams could have benefited from the rule after Paul Medhurst and Daniel Pratt went off injured.
“I just don’t know how we are going to get across to people that we really do need to seriously consider some of the things that took place in the NAB Cup which was the replacement of an injured player – a substitution if you like,” Malthouse said.
“If we need medical evidence, I think that can be obtained. It is so important that we don’t lose the right for it to come in because we exploit it the other way.
“It’s been a long while since we’ve had that fourth (interchange) player and I think the game has evolved in both strength and speed that we should seriously consider what I thought was a wonderful rule in the NAB Cup.”
Malthouse said he had no qualms in playing players with niggles, but that the rule would apply to players who were finished for the day.
“A lot of players are marginally injured,” he said.
“If they can’t go back you don’t put them back, you’re not going to run that risk. You don’t defy the medical staff.”
Ruckman Josh Fraser was highly scrutinised throughout the week but answered his critics with 25 disposals and 18 hitouts.
Malthouse said Fraser, who was the Magpies’ only genuine ruckman, would benefit from the long break until next Monday’s game against St Kilda.
“I thought Josh was good. It probably wore him down a bit, the two ruckmen,” he said.
“He has got a wonderful ability to clear the ball himself. I think that is one of his greatest assets. He plays pretty close to the ground as a ruckman and probably the 10-day break couldn’t come at a better time.”
The Collingwood coach would not elaborate on the tongue lashing he gave forward John Anthony in the third term but was full of glowing praise for Anthony Corrie who made his Collingwood debut as a late inclusion.
“He was playing okay at VFL level but his enthusiasm didn’t wane and when we thought we needed a bit of experience coming into the side with Anthony (Rocca) falling out of the side and Heath (Shaw) as well, he maintained that enthusiasm right throughout the week and indeed since he’s been at the footy club,” Malthouse said.
