Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge claimed the AFL “flinched” in changing interpretation following Alastair Clarkson’s criticism of the way tackling was officiated.
The 2016 premiership coach told reporters on Thursday morning people were too quick to criticise the game and it resulted in unnecessary change.
“I just wish that the people involved in the game would just take a breath before they criticise the game and to make sure we hold our nerve and don’t change rules and adjust things on a whim,” he said.
“People are too quick to criticise because it’s too convenient and it’s not enjoyable to listen to or watch.
“Our game hasn’t changed a lot as far as the aesthetics. You need more than a one event sample size to change.
“We’re too quick to flinch and it’s not helping the game. We had a flinch last week and we don’t need any more.”
Hawthorn coach Clarkson sprayed the AFL post the Hawks’ four-point win over North Melbourne in round four, slamming the quality of football and claiming players were not being rewarded enough for their tackling efforts.
The difference in interpretation from round four to round five was noticeable, with umpires more willing to pay holding the ball.
Beveridge added that the Hawthorn coach had every right to make assessments on the way the game was being played, but that the AFL must make the right call and now bow to pressure.
“Clarko is a very influential figure in the game and he should continue to express his opinion because he shaped the game in many ways,” he said.
“But whether he’s right all the time, that’s the decision at AFL House.
“We have to make sure we’re measured in our thought processes and we make good decisions for the game and everyone involved in it.”
Beveridge, who has been in the Bulldogs top job since 2015, said changing the rules on the run wasn’t fair to players or umpires.
“Imagine the challenge for the umpires and players that within a week we have a change or an adjustment,” he said.
“We do it too often and it’s not acceptable. We need to be better than that.”
The Bulldogs, who are chasing four wins on the trot, face Carlton at Metricon Stadium on Sunday night.