The AFL have made an immediate change to the studs-up rule which was the subject of widespread confusion over the weekend.
Richmond's blockbuster win over fellow premiership heavyweights West Coast was almost outweighed by two controversial free kicks which were paid against Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt for studs up in the contest.
Riewoldt was punished twice for using his studs in contests with Eagles defender Tom Barrass whilst attempting to mark the ball inside his side's forward 50.
The AFL moved to clarify that the umpires ruled correctly, based on official interpretation, which stated the use of studs in a contest that would risk injury to another player was illegal.
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However, the league has announced a new interpretation of the rule would be adopted from round 23 onwards.
"The studs-up rule was brought in to ensure players did not employ their studs in marking contests in a manner likely to cause injury," AFL General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said in a statement on Monday.
"Although the two incidents from the Richmond v West Coast Eagles match were adjudicated according to the current interpretation, the AFL acknowledges there is a need to adjust the interpretation of rough conduct free kicks relating to the use of studs in marking contests and will make this change effective immediately."
The rule change comes after widespread furor over the two rulings towards Riewoldt, which could've had a dramatic impact on the outcome of the game.
A fiery Richmond coach Damien Hardwick slammed the two decisions after the win, suggesting the AFL continue to make it hard for players.
“At the end of the day, the rule was brought in for the guy that kicks the guy in the head,” Hardwick told reporters post-game.
“The last time I looked, that player’s head wasn’t on his hamstring. Have some common sense.
“I didn’t know why we needed the rule in the first place to be honest, we seem to have a very reactive nature at stages.
“The game of AFL is so tough on these blokes. Don’t give them so many rules.”
Appearing on Fox Footy's AFL 360, Geelong coach Chris Scott commended the AFL for addressing the issue swiftly, but hoped the rule change wouldn't encourage players to lead with their studs more often.
"I like that the AFL clarifies these things, I think it's a good move," Scott told Fox Footy's AFL 360 on Monday.
"I'm not in the camp that says you should just react to everything, I think when they do see something they should make it clear for everyone.
"But I think it's also clear that you can't go and push someone in the back with your foot studs-up and mark the ball.
"I would've paid those as marks if I was the umpire, I'm happy with that, but this shouldn't be seen as opening the door."
"Have some common sense."
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) August 18, 2019
Damien Hardwick wasn't pleased with these two free kicks paid against Jack Riewoldt: https://t.co/uAYXvQj8qS pic.twitter.com/dbXIfSnzcn
