The Age newspaper in Melbourne reported on Friday that the League was considering adding a fourth field umpire in next year’s NAB Cup competition. Should the concept prove successful, the AFL may implement the four-umpire system for the 2009 home-and-away season.
The move is part of a push designed to stamp out the presence of taggers who have little interest in winning the ball themselves.
It is hoped that a fourth umpire will be able to keep a closer watch on off-the-ball incidents and further monitor players around stoppages.
West Coast coach John Worsfold is believed to have been a strong voice behind the push for the AFL’s laws of the game committee to review current rules.
The Eagles’ premiership coach has seen first-hand the tactics of taggers against two of the game’s superstars, Daniel Kerr and former captain, now Carlton skipper Chris Judd.
Other AFL coaches have also expressed dismay at various times when they considered that their ball winners were not being given a fair go during matches due to excessive tagging.
Worsfold is believed to have made a special presentation to members of the rules committee and his are views likely to be discussed at an AFL Commission meeting next month.
At the meeting the AFL may also make a decision on the controversial issue of rushed behinds. The Commission is expected to ratify a rule change for the NAB Cup, which again could be adopted for next year’s home-and-away season.
The issue shot to prominence following Hawthorn’s upset Grand Final win over Geelong when they rushed 11 behinds.
One favoured option is for a free-kick to be awarded to an opposition player from where the ball was rushed through the goals.
