'That's against the spirit of our game' - Controversial contact below the knees rule causes uproar

Michael Di Lonardo

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'That's against the spirit of our game' - Controversial contact below the knees rule causes uproar image

If it doesn't sit well with Bruce, it shouldn't sit well with anyone.

Holes in the AFL rulebook have been picked out after Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams was pinged for making contact below the knees on Melbourne's Joel Smith, despite making a genuine attempt at the ball.

Adams skilfully set up a possible scoring chance as he batted the ball out to two unmarked players.

MORE: Michael Walters cops one-match ban for striking, Luke Hodge cleared

The Pies were up 30 points at the time with an opportunity to build on their lead, although the Demons pulled the margin back to 16 after the momentum-killing call.

None of it was relevant as Collingwood ran away 42-point winners in a 133-91 thrashing to cement their place in the top eight.

There was an argument that the free kick was technically correct by the book, rather it was the rule itself that needs an overhaul.

‘’He was going for the ball. It’s a really bad (call). Correct technical call but it just doesn’t sit well with me,'' McAvaney said in Channel Seven commentary.

Essendon great Tim Watson delivered the biggest smackdown though.

''That's against the spirit of the game,'' he said.


And the viewers at home agreed.


 




 

 

 

Michael Di Lonardo

Michael Di Lonardo Photo