Sydney v Western Bulldogs: Dangerfield, Pendlebury question sliding rule

Tom Naghten

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Sydney v Western Bulldogs: Dangerfield, Pendlebury question sliding rule image

Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Pendlebury have aired criticisms of the 'sliding' rule following a call early in the round one clash between Western Bulldogs and Sydney.

Bulldog Ed Richards kicked his side's first goal of the game after he was awarded a free kick for 'contact below the knees' against Jake Lloyd.

Check out the decision below.


Geelong superstar and 2016 Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield was doing special comments for the game and discussed his frustration at the rule.

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"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."

Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury also took to social media following that decision, suggesting the rule needed a tweak.

"The sliding rule should be if your (sic) second into the contest and take the legs of the guy over the ball out then a free kick," Pendlebury wrote.


It's not the first time the rule and its interpretation has come under the pump, with two incidents in last year's elimination final between Melbourne and Hawthorn causing frustration.

The rule was introduced in 2013, with many associating it with a reaction to Gary Rohan breaking his leg the season before.

Matthew Richardson was in commentary on Saturday night and said the rule had "evolved into something that it wasn't intended to be."

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.