AFL's holding-the-ball rule change led to a 40%+ increase in free kicks in round 12, averaging 11.6 per match.
AFL's tightened holding-the-ball rule led to a 40%+ increase in free kicks paid in round 12, with an average of 11.6 per match. This followed a shift in interpretation, shortening the "reasonable time" component, in response to backlash over tackles lingering too long. The rule change resulted in a total of 17 holding-the-ball free kicks in the Hawthorn-Adelaide match and 16 in Geelong-Richmond.
June 03, 2024
3 Articles