THE AFL will trial camera technology used in NASCAR racing during Saturday's Richmond-Carlton clash at the MCG as part of its search for a better score review system.
The goal umpire will wear a camera mounted on a headband, which will transmit high definition images back to a video umpire.
Cameras will also be positioned behind, above and within the goalposts so that every angle can be checked. This will be in addition to the vision currently available from the broadcast.
The system developed allows the third umpire to choose whichever vision is required to make a more accurate decision, rather than being dependent on what the broadcaster supplies.
The high definition element will allow the third umpire to zoom in on the action to see more clearly whether the ball has touched the post, been touched by a hand or is a legal kick.
AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said the round 21 trial was part of the competition's continued drive to find better systems to use on match day.
"We want to continue to look at it to see what there is that holds benefit," Evans told AFL.com.au.
"The first step is to prove the benefit first and then examine what is viable."
A production team at AFL Media developed the system, with executive producer Greg Miles claiming it had great advantages for the third umpire.
"It doesn't rely only on cameras controlled by the broadcaster and is completely independent of them," Miles said.
He said the system would still enable viewers at home to see the same vision as the third umpire because it would be made available to the broadcaster for integration into their telecast.
That technology, developed by the Hawkeye company, will be tested across more games during rounds 22 and 23.
Evans understands the investment into the score review system needs to be balanced but is determined to use the rest of the season to trial what is available.
"While the season is going, we are having a look at a raft of things that might add to the picture," Evans said.
"Then there will be a question of how much does it add, how much does it improve accuracy, how much does it reduce the time taken to get a review done and then, is it viable to use in the premiership season next year?"
While very few decisions are overturned, wrong decisions receive an enormous amount of publicity.
In both the 2009 and the 2010 Grand Finals, goal umpires signaled a goal after the ball had hit the post. Geelong and Collingwood were beneficiaries of the decisions.
A kick from Geelong's Nathan Vardy against North Melbourne in round 19 this season looked to shave the post, but the vision was regarded as inconclusive and a goal was awarded to the Cats based on the umpire's original call.
This is the second year for the current score review system but it remains less than perfect, with many fans frustrated at the odd incorrect call.
