AFL Daily: Rolling footy news from Friday, August 23

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has applauded the AFL for changing the studs up rule after his outburst last weekend over free kicks against star Tiger Jack Riewoldt. ROLLING FOOTY NEWS 

Jack Riewoldt had a right to be incensed with the studs up decisions.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has applauded the AFL for its change to the interpretation of the studs up rule.

 

Tigers' forward Jack Riewoldt was twice penalised by umpires in last Sunday's clash against West Coast for illegally using his boot studs in marking contests against Eagle Tom Barrass.

Hardwick slammed the decisions post-match and the controversial rulings came under fire from the wider AFL community.

There was a swift reaction from league headquarters on Monday with the interpretation to be changed from this weekend.

Jack Riewoldt had a right to be incensed with the studs up decisions.

League football operations boss Steve Hocking said the rule had not been brought in to penalise actions such as Riewoldt’s, but the penalties against the premiership Tiger were adjudicated correctly under the previous interpretation.

Hardwick said he was pleased common sense had prevailed and the AFL had made the “smart move”.

“What else can I get changed this week?,” Hardwick joked to reporters yesterday.

“I think (it's) common sense.

"I think we're all in the same boat with regard to why the rule was bought in, but I don't think we quite got the interpretation right.

"But it was pleasing to see that it did get overturned. Decisions are made sometimes and credit where credit is due, I'm really happy the AFL took it on board and decided to implement the change.”

Originally published as AFL Daily: Rolling footy news from Friday, August 23

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