Chris Scott calls for calm on AFL rule changes

CHRIS Scott has rebuked Luke Beveridge for his inflammatory comments about AFL rule changes as he pushes for a radical alteration to winning the ball.

CHRIS Scott has rebuked Luke Beveridge for his inflammatory comments about AFL rule changes as he pushes for a radical alteration to winning the ball.

The Geelong coach believes the AFL should consider banning players from taking possession when not on their feet.

He sees it is a congestion-busting tactic that would be a better alternative than removing prior opportunity from the holding-the-ball rule.

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Geelong coach Chris Scott has called for calm over proposed rule changes. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said on Saturday that starting points will “ruin the game at junior level and kids will go and play other codes”.

But Scott said those comments were poorly timed.

“From my perspective we should do our best to remove that emotion from the conversation,” he said.

“When comments are made that the game will be destroyed or it will ruin it at junior level it is a big stretch and it encourages people to be more emotional in the discussion.

“It doesn’t lead to better outcomes in my view.”

The competition committee will meet again on July 26 and will assess the AFL’s research before a recommendation goes to the AFL executive.

Many of the game’s biggest figures support starting points, with premiership coach Scott also in favour of an extended goalsquare.

Scott has urged the AFL to consider changes in the knowledge if they do not work the league still has the chance to reverse them.

“We have fallen into the trap of thinking if we change things it gives us no chance to change them back,’’ he said on ABC radio.

“If you are confident with the evidence the change will have a beneficial impact and it doesn’t transpire, you have the right to go back.”

Scott gave cautious support to starting points, backed in set positions at centre bounces and pushed hard for a tweak to winning possession.

“I think the idea that players shouldn’t be able to take possession of the ball when they are on their feet would make a big difference,’’ he said.

“It would help the spectacle of the game, reduce congestion and encourage players to play the way most juniors are taught.

“Make the ball your objective but don’t dive on it. That would make a bigger difference to prior opportunity, which would discourage players from making the ball their objective.

“You would see taggers at stoppages sitting behind the best players and as soon as they took possession wrapping them up.”