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Former AFL players and fans slam free kick paid against Callum Mills for deliberate rushed behind

THE AFL says the umpire got it right when he penalised Sydney’s Callum Mills for rushing a behind against the Western Bulldogs in the dying stages of last night’s game. HAVE YOUR SAY

3 min read
April 1, 2017 - 2:07PM
Callum Mills argues with the umpire after being penalised for deliberately rushing a behind. Picture: Michael Klein
Callum Mills argues with the umpire after being penalised for deliberately rushing a behind. Picture: Michael Klein

THE AFL says the umpire got it right when he penalised Sydney’s Callum Mills for rushing a behind against the Western Bulldogs in the dying stages of Friday night’s game.

Geelong champion Cameron Ling criticised the decision on the television coverage, declaring it was the wrong call, and a litany of former AFL players agreed.

But the AFL has released its verdict this morning, saying it was the correct call.

“AFL has deemed delib. Rushed free (sic) in Dogs/Swans as correct under stricter 2017 ruling, due to no physical pressure when ball put over line,” AFL media relations manager Patrick Keane tweeted.

Keane’s tweet featured the AFL’s new interpretation of the rushed behind rule, which has four key criteria.

Mills, running into the goalsquare, punched the ball through for a behind against the Bulldogs as the two teams were playing out a thriller at Etihad Stadium.

Last year’s Rising Star winner was being pursued closely by Bulldog Liam Picken but the umpire ruled he wasn’t under immediate pressure and the Bulldog was given a shot at goal, which he duly converted, giving the Bulldogs an important 10-point lead with less than seven minutes to play.

WAS IT THE RIGHT DECISION? WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE AND HAVE YOUR SAY

Former umpire Derek Humphrey-Smith said he was frustrated with the criticism of the umpire.

“I think it was disappointing on ... the TV coverage just to hear former players not knowing the new interpretation ... and being critical of the umpire’s interpretation,” Humphrey-Smith said on SEN this morning.

“They were just applying it as part of those four criteria that they’ve been given (by the AFL).

“It was a real clear one I think, it was just at a critical time in the game.”

Humphrey-Smith said he had noticed defender’s struggling with the new rules.

“I think we’re certainly going to get the players from the opposing team now just being smarter with how much pressure they’re seen to apply,” he said.

“There are so many defenders ... not exactly knowing what they’re free or not free to do that must be very concerning for defensive coaches.”

Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus said the free kick against Mills was the exact example umpires showed players over the pre-season that would be penalised under the new interpretation.

But he wants consistency.

“I think it was a free kick, the umpires come out and showed us a couple of videos and that’s exactly what would be a free kick,” he said. “As long as they’re consistent I don’t see an issue with it.

“It’s a hard position to be in, I’m lucky not to be in it much. I feel for Callum but I guess that’s the way the game goes now and that’s the rule.”

Geelong champion Ling was the first to criticise the call on Friday night.

“No, I don’t think it is (the right decision),” he said on Channel Seven. “You could argue he’s not under enough pressure ... you have a bloke closing in behind you, call that a metre and a half away. You’re inside the goal square, late in the last quarter (that’s pressure).”

North Melbourne great Wayne Carey also wasn’t happy with the decision.

“We’re going to see a lot of those not get paid,” he said. “Mills clearly knew that Picken was there, that’s pressure. A tough penalty.”

Callum Mills argues with the umpire after being penalised for deliberately rushing a behind. Picture: Michael Klein
Callum Mills argues with the umpire after being penalised for deliberately rushing a behind. Picture: Michael Klein

Former AFL players were also quick to criticise the decision.

“Putrid call ump,” former Saint Jason Gram tweeted.

Sydney coach John Longmire bit his tongue when asked about the decision post-match.

“Was it a free-kick or not? I don’t know,” he said.

“Was he under pressure? I don’t know. I’m the wrong person to ask.”

But Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted there was confusion in the coaches box after the decision despite it going the Bulldogs’ way.

“I think we’re all trying to work out what is deliberate and what isn’t,” he said post-match. “I actually wanted the free kick in the goal square because I saw the one in Adelaide last week (against Daniel Talia) but I didn’t realise it had gone through the points, the rushed. So I was way off base.

“But whether there is direct pressure or no direct pressure, whether it’s before or within that nine metre of the square, I’m not sure which way it goes. I’m not sure if it’s there or isn’t there.”

Fans were quick to voice their outrage over the decision with some believing it ruined the finish to the game given the Bulldogs led by just four points at the time after the Swans had hit back.

Originally published as Former AFL players and fans slam free kick paid against Callum Mills for deliberate rushed behind

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/afl/teams/sydney/former-afl-players-and-fans-slam-free-kick-paid-against-callum-mills-for-deliberate-rushed-behind/news-story/61e39f13b4b1124df0197b8a3ba27621