The sliding free kick paid against Collingwood’s Tom Phillips was just one of a number of contentious free kicks paid on the weekend and AFL greats, and even a current superstar, aren’t happy with the current standard of umpiring.
It’s already been called ‘unacceptable’ by one major sporting coach — but what does the AFL plan to do about the SCG turf ahead of this week’s blockbuster clash between Sydney and Melbourne?
Scott Pendlebury says Jordan de Goey’s decision to reject a huge offer from the Kangaroos left a big impression on his Collingwood teammates. Plus, the latest on new deals for Jade Gresham and Caleb Daniel.
He was one of the stars of the fairytale 2016 premiership win but Liam Picken’s AFL career has come to a premature end with the popular Western Bulldog calling time as he continues to suffer the effects of concussion.
Nic Naitanui is expected to wait until he makes his mid-year return before delicate contract talks. He’s one of the game’s most marketable players — but has only played 15 games in two years. Could a Melbourne club swoop?
St Kilda missed out on Dylan Shiel last year despite offering more than Essendon, Carlton and Hawthorn. How high will they go to lure GWS star Stephen Coniglio? JON RALPH rates all 61 free agents.
The AFL is satisfied Bulldog Matt Suckling’s ankle injury wasn’t directly related Marvel Stadium’s shifting turf. But some of the game’s biggest names have hit out at the AFL, saying it’s not doing anything to fix the issue.
Tim Kelly will again ask for a trade at the end of the year, but Cats coach Chris Scott says it’s no “foregone conclusion” his midfield star will leave. Plus Richmond chasing signatures, Demon Sam Weidemen’s value, Libba’s huge year and Essendon to keep eye on son of a gun.
The Commonwealth Games and a poor Friday night fixture combined to send TV ratings down over 12 per cent last year. The AFL is refusing to stand for that again, with the league unleashing its plan for a major boost in 2019.
Richmond recruit Tom Lynch sat out yesterday’s training session but remains in the mix to play in Thursday night’s AFL opener. And one teammate loves what he’s seeing from the new Tiger.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/jon-ralph/page/200