Image exposes ‘ridiculous’ problem with AFL’s new rule

The “stand the mark” rule has for the most part been a resounding success, but this image proves there’s still room for improvement.

Ben King's goal against Sydney.

The AFL’s newly-introduced “stand the mark” rule was implemented ahead of the 2021 premiership to encourage more scoring — and for the most part, it’s been a resounding success.

After a cluster of low-scoring affairs marred last year’s premiership, footy fans rejoiced when the opening rounds of the 2021 season were packed with exhilarating contests.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

But players are still exploiting a minor flaw in the new rule, a glaring example seen during Saturday afternoon’s match between the Gold Coast Suns and Sydney Swans.

Early in the third quarter at Metricon Stadium, Suns tall forward Ben King claimed a mark on the 50m line with Swans defender Kaiden Brand manning the mark.

King steered to the right as he attempted the shot on goal, kicking the Sherrin from next to Brand near the 50m line.

Brand helplessly watched on, knowing he would give away a 50m penalty if he moved more than one step — the 27-year-old desperately waved his arms, presumably beckoning for the umpire to call “play on”.

King executed the goal from a 45-degree angle, extending Gold Coast’s lead to 29 points.

Ben King's goal against Sydney.

The umpire still had not called play on.

“That’s modern football I suppose this year,” Brisbane Lions great Alastair Lynch told Fox Footy.

“You see the Swans defenders talking to the umpires, saying he actually did not kick over the man on the mark. That’s where players are getting that extra two or three metres, just going around.

“Ben King just steps around the man on the mark at 50 — instead of being a 55-metre kick, it becomes 51.

“He’s kicked it from next to him.”

Three-time All-Australian Gerard Healy agreed: “He gained five metres.”

The stand on the mark rule has worked at improving scoring but blokes running straight past the man on the mark while kicking for goal looks absolutely ridiculous. Call play on umpire! #afl#AFLSunsSwans

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) April 24, 2021

Let the Suns guy basically run around the guy on the mark without calling play on what even is that rule #AFLSunsSwans

— Ben Quagliata (@bensquag) April 24, 2021

In theory, the issue could be easily resolved by the umpires calling “play on” a couple of seconds earlier.

But until officials make the adjustment, players have a free license to kick at goal directly next to the mark.

The Suns ultimately clinched a 15.10 (100) to 9.6 (60) victory on the Gold Coast, their second win of the season.

The hosts led by seven points at quarter-time, 22 points at halftime and 49 at the last change, with Touk Miller (36 disposals) and Noah Anderson (34 disposals) starring in the midfield.

King finished the round six match with a game-high five majors, also contributing 14 disposals, seven marks and a behind.

“One thing that has impressed me was Ben King,” former Hawthorn star Ben Dixon told Fox Footy.

“His ability to put himself in the contest, he’s got the honey hands. Everything is sticking. He does not look like dropping a mark.

“He has been absolutely outstanding, his athleticism. He’s got a huge future ahead of him.”

Ben King of the Suns celebrates a goal.

READ MORE: Awful West Coast Eagles humiliated

The 20-year-old had help in the goalkicking department with Ben Ainsworth (three majors), Izak Rankine (two majors) and Josh Corbett (two majors) hitting the scoreboard multiple times.

The Suns will next take on Collingwood at the MCG, while the Swans will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they host the Geelong Cats.

— with NCA NewsWire