The controversial 'sliding rule' is again facing criticism after West Coast kicked a goal following a second quarter decision against Collingwood at the MCG.
Magpies player Tom Phillips gave away a free kick after he took out the legs of Eagles forward Jamie Cripps.
Jaidyn Stephenson then gave away a 50-metre penalty, seeing Cripps kick his third goal for the match.
Check out the decision below.
Cameron Ling: "I can't handle that being a free kick."#AFLPiesEagles pic.twitter.com/cnm3ZoYqye
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 6, 2019
Commentators were left frustrated by the decision, while Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield took to social media with his criticism.
The 2016 Brownlow medallist labelled the decision a "disgrace" in a tweet that is sure to get the AFL's attention.
Contact below the knees.. absolute disgrace. #AFLPiesEagles
— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) April 6, 2019
Don’t put your head over the ball kids. Lower and harder... na not anymore. https://t.co/SImDGIrWmG
— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) April 6, 2019
That's not the only example of the contact below the knees rule getting under Dangerfield's skin this season.
The Cats superstar was in commentary for Western Bulldogs' round one win over Sydney when he aired his thoughts following a contentious free kick to the Dogs.
"I understand the rule, but geez I despise it," Dangerfield said.
"It was initially brought in to stop guys getting their legs broken.
"By the letter of the law, that is a free kick, but as a player it's so frustrating, because you want to go after the ball."
Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury was left arguing with the umpire on Saturday night, but he was at home and took to Twitter during round one with his opinion on the matter.
The sliding rule should be if your second into the contest and take the legs of the guy over the ball out then a free kick
— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) March 23, 2019
The skipper isn't likely to be changing his tune anytime soon.
