Brownlow Medallist Malcolm Blight has labelled the AFL’s introduction of screens on the boundary line a “waste of time” and called for runners to be allowed to go on the ground as often as they like.
Clubs have reported issues with the LED boards, suggesting glare made it hard to read them during day games and the AFL will now allow clubs to use boards of their own making.
“Those LED boards, worst thing I’ve ever seen in football, get rid of them. They’re an absolute waste of time,” Blight told SEN’s Whateley.
“You’re a back pocket player, the ball’s within 45 metres of you, you’re watching your opponent, you’re watching the ball. Someone on the bench is holding up a sign, you’re not even giving it a thought.
“It’s doomed to fail.
“Whoever thought of it, really? Did they trial it? Did they test it? Now people can’t even see it because of the glare!
“Of all the committees I was on, I didn’t hear this one. What a waste of time, money and effort.”
Blight has called for the rule restricting runners to be undone.
“I don’t see any reason why runners can’t go out onto the ground as often as they like,” he said.
“The coaches are trying to make the game better for their team to win a game of football.
“It’s one person on the ground. Unbelievable.”
