Nathan Bassett says the sliding rule is there for good reason while Connor Rozee is set for Rising Star

PORT Adelaide assistant coach Nathan Bassett said the AFL needs to stick strong with contentious contact below the knee rule despite heavy criticism from Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield on the weekend.

Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match against the Brisbane Lions at The Gabba. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

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PORT Adelaide assistant coach Nathan Bassett said the AFL needs to stick strong with contentious contact below the knee rule despite heavy criticism from Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield on the weekend.

Dangerfield labelled the rule an “absolute disgrace” during the Collingwood and West Coast clash on Saturday and Bassett, who suffered numerous injuries during his 210 game career, said a broken leg had the potential to end careers.

“I think it’s a good rule and it’s important that players attempt keep their feet,’’ Bassett said on SEN Adelaide.

“I got a broken leg, someone ended by brother’s football career from sliding in on him and breaking his leg.

Eagles Jamie Cripps receives a free kick after Magpies Tom Phillips slides in during the round three match at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

“I think it’s a good rule and it’s important in terms of safety for players. Sometimes players can deliberately trip over players, but it terms of the cost of that is inconsequential compared to the cost of taking a player’s football career in terms of injury,’’ he said.

Bassett said it was hard not to be impressed with Port young gun Connor Rozee who is expected to the land the Round 3 Rising star nomination later today after his five goal haul in their 17 point loss to Brisbane.

“He was super,’’ Bassett said.

“(The) First half both him and (Zak) Butters were exceptional.

Port Adelaide Connor Rozee celebrates a goal during the round three match against Brisbane Lions at The Gabba. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

“It’s pretty exciting when you have two guys both playing their third game and probably at half time were our two bets players.

“Connor was super clean, I thought he showed really good defence urgency and his learning the work rate it takes to play AFL football and he’s learning it very quickly,’’ he said.

Bassett is confident Robbie Gray and Tom Rockliff will both be right to face Richmond this weekend.

“Tom was pretty good after the game,’’ Bassett said.

“I don’t think there would be too many concerns, the player had the morning off so we won’t know a lot more til later in the day

“Robbie had a sore shoulder but came back on so I imagine he’d be a pretty good chance to play as well,’’ he said.