Port Adelaide premiership player Kane Cornes says the controversial 10-metre protected zone after a mark is the worst rule since the infamous substitute rule.
Since its introduction at the start of the season, the rule, which sees a player give up a 50m penalty if they encroach into the area, has been slammed by coaches and fans alike.
According to Cornes, the rule has to be removed from the game as soon as possible.
“We have to get rid of this 10-metre protected area - it is clearly the worst rule since the sub rule,” he told SEN Mornings.
“For players who are making an effort to get out of the 10-metre protected zone, they’re not holding up play, and to be penalised with a 50m penalty which often results in a shot on goal is a disgrace and it’s going to cost someone big time.
“Common sense is the word - if a player takes a mark and there’s someone next to him, he’s trying to get out of the area, he’s not holding the play up, he’s not slowing anything down, he’s not adding to the congestion, he’s making an effort to get out and he’s penalised for that, it is dumb.
“The AFL must act on that surely, because it is a blight on the game, it’s a disgraceful rule.”
Cornes also said any suggestion the rule helps to ease congestion and helps increase scoring doesn’t justify the harsh penalty, and expects the rule will disappear in the closing stages of a crucial final.
“The conspiracy theorists would say the AFL like that rule in because it adds to the scoring, if you get a 50m penalty you slot a goal and the scores are up, and perhaps they do like that about the game,” he said.
“But I guarantee you, there will be a big final, and there will be a player who goes into this area at a pivotal stage of a game, and the umpire will let it play on.
“If it’s good enough in the finals, it should be good enough for the home-and-away rounds.”
After a number of contentious free kicks were paid in Richmond’s Thursday night clash with Sydney, notably a pair of decisions paid to Swans forward Lance Franklin against the Tigers’ Alex Rance, Cornes said the umpires should make moving the game on a priority.
“If in doubt, my opinion is always to let it go,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re ever too critical of umpires erring on the side of letting the play go on. We see it in Grand Finals, we see it in big games.
“Don’t ruin a great game with tiggy touchwood free kicks.”
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