AFL coaches are at loggerheads over the 'insufficient intent' rule that has seen Matthew Nicks and Luke Beveridge at odds.
The Western Bulldogs coach was adamant that boundary throw-ins needed to be "protected" in the modern game, which has seen a host of traditional rules altered and banished.
Beveridge was of the belief that ruckmen should be given the opportunity to execute their craft, and if last-touch out-of-bounds was introduced, it would diminish their role.
"I disagree totally (with Nicks)," Beveridge said on Thursday.
"As far as the AFL charter goes and the critical things in our game which have stood the test of time, the boundary throw is just a key aspect of our game, it's so important it's protected.
"I think it can be improved over the back end of the year and into next year. The umpires will work on how to improve the throw-ins.
"But it needs to be protected. Hopefully, we continue on with that part of the game."
It comes as Nicks' comments favoured awarding a free-kick to the opposing club following the last possession.
"The insufficient rule I don't really understand," Nicks said on Footy Classified.
"The insufficient intent rule I don't really understand."
Matthew Nicks wants the AFL to move to last touch out of bounds, as @CalTwomey reveals the AFL memo sent out to assistant coaches across the league. #9FootyClassified | Watch on Nine & 9Now ๐ฅ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/4yLIIYqoRp
โ Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) June 17, 2025
"I'd go with the SANFL way, the way they run it, which is last possession out of bounds... no matter where โฆ if you handball or kick the ball over the line, it's a free kick to the opposition.
"It takes another decision away from umpires."
