AFL admits it got three deliberate out of bounds decisions wrong in Round 3

INCORRECT umpiring decisions, players cutting themselves on fences and goal review blunders. A few things went wrong for the league in Round 3 and the AFL footy boss was on the front foot on Monday.

Mark LeCras celebrates a final-term goal. Pic: Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images

THE AFL says it was too hot on deliberate out of bounds at the weekend, with three free kicks incorrectly paid across the round.

And the league will launch an investigation into the signage which left two Geelong players badly bloodied after crashing into the boundary line fence at the new Perth Stadium on Sunday.

League operations boss Steve Hocking said the contentious deliberate out of bounds calls paid against Port’s Sam Powell Pepper, Lion Mitch Robinson and young Cat Jack Henry were all too harsh.

The score review system will also come under the microscope this week after one of the operators pushed the wrong button, initially incorrectly awarding Richmond a goal.

Hocking said the score reviews were also taking too long, making it “frustrating” for players and fans.

To improve the deliberate out of bounds calls, Hocking said clubs and umpires will be reminded about the “insufficient intent” rule this week.

BAROMETER: EVERY CLUB’S INJURY

THE TACKLE: IS BUDDY THE GOAT?

“Not loosened off, it’s more just getting it right, that’s the important thing,” Hocking said.

“The rule is to keep the ball in play and that’s something we are seeing in the game … it’s exciting football.

“So, there is a reason why it has been introduced, but what we have got to do is adjudicate and officiate it better than what we did at the weekend.”

The Henry decision was particularly costly as it led to a Mark LeCras goal late in West Coast’s narrow win over the Cats.

The AFL has admitted three 'deliberate' free kicks were wrong in round three.

More: https://t.co/2R0PRmrXWi pic.twitter.com/gTcRuzxqW1

— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) April 9, 2018

Geelong pair Mark Blicavs and Zach Tuohy both suffered lacerations after making heavy contact with the fence in the loss to West Coast.

Blicavs required 14 stitches, but both players returned to the field.

Hocking was adamant the signage at the Perth stadium met safety protocols but said the LED lighting at all venues would be reviewed following Sunday’s incidents.

“The LED is the same (in Perth) is the same as the MCG, same as Etihad Stadium,” Hocking said.

“It is unfortunate but we will work with the club (Geelong) over the coming days to see what we need to do to support the players.

“They certainly hit it with some force, it is disappointing.”

Cat Mark Blicavs (inset) and teammate Zach Tuohy came off second best in collisions with the new Perth Stadium fence.

Hocking also addressed the furore surrounding the shrugging tactics which had drawn a spate of high free kicks, saying he was happy with the way umpires had adjudicated the first three rounds.

But he hit out at suggestions central umpires were deliberately botching their centre bounces as part of a silent protest against the bounce.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Fox “They might deliberately be bouncing it the way they are. Umpires are pretty keen just to throw it up.”

Hocking said talk about a protest was “disgraceful”.

“Their integrity is absolutely unquestionable and a lot of the things we’re here talking about are just human error and that happens right throughout the game,” he said.

LIVE stream the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership season on FOX SPORTS. Every match of every round LIVE in HD, with no ad-breaks siren to siren! Get your two-week free trial now.

Umpires have raised injury concerns over bouncing. Pic: Will Russell/AFL Media

AFL footy boss Steven Hocking rubbished talk of umpires protesting.