The AFL have unveiled a new innovative technology to add an extra layer to the current Score Review system, which can detect audio from the goalposts.
Inspired by the 'Snickometer' used in cricket, the 'AFL Edge' features microphone technology installed in goalposts to determine whether a ball has touched the post or not.
The audio picked up by the microphone will be synchronised with the existing Hawk-Eye video feeds which allows the Score Review Officer to observe multiple angles of would-be goals or behinds.
As with the 'Snickometer', the audio will be displayed in waveform. A spike on the display will provide conclusive evidence of slight touches of the posts that would be unidentifiable from camera angles alone.
It's understood that the padding on the goalposts will help limit false detections and cancel out the external noise in the stadium.
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The addition of AFL Edge will help avoid contentious decisions where the outcome of the Score Review could determine the match's result.
Last year, Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins admitted his match-winning goal against Port Adelaide may have brushed the left post.
Jenkins was awarded with a goal with two-and-a-half minutes on the clock, an outcome which sealed the deal for the Crows.
Josh Jenkins was awarded a goal late in the Showdown after a review.#AFLCrowsPower pic.twitter.com/ghS8YJzjMd
— AFL (@AFL) August 4, 2018
AFL football operations have rigorously tested the new technology at multiple venues throughout the off-season.
AFL Edge will be used at Category One and Category Two venues, such as MCG, Marvel Stadium, Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium, where goal-line cameras are already installed.
The new technology will be used for the first time during the season's curtain-raiser between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, March 21.
