AFL executive GM of Football Laura Kane has weighed in on two contentious rules that are currently in place.
Since the introduction of the 6-6-6 rule back in 2019 and the warning that followed, criticism has followed the league as play is halted when clubs fail to correctly structure the field.
As the umpire indicates to the offending ruckman that a 'warning' has been placed, he/she then elects to throw the ball up as opposed to the traditional and regular bounce.
Despite its rarity given the efficiency of clubs to set up their players, it occurred during Round 8 between Sydney and GWS.
The Giants - having already received a warning - committed the offence again during a crucial time in the match, to which the Swans were handed possession.
Trailing by two goals at the time, Sydney capitalised on the gift and extended their lead, with Kane feeling for the AFL's youngest team.
Giants give away a 6-6-6 infringement and goal right before 3QT - and Adam Kingsley is furious!
📺 Watch #AFLSwansGiants on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/c5VwhmeFbG
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/IvdbWg4oTl
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/er0K9dPKZN pic.twitter.com/EwLKwOaNmU— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 4, 2024
"I've been really clear with this one," Kane said on AFL Media's Footy Feed Extra.
"I'm open to that discussion in removing the warning. I think unfortunately for the Giants to receive the warning and to breach again meant they lost possession of the ball.
"But I dare say they'll reflect on that point and make sure they'll sort out their processes.
"But for me, that's exactly what we're looking for and looking at and at the end of the men's season, we'll review whether the warning will remain or not.
"We don't see it too often but if we can save time and not have it drag out as a process, I think we should look to do that."
In a revert back to its old methods, the AFL returned to the silent goal review system in recent weeks, whereby if the goal umpire believes it's a goal, they'll signal the six points whilst the ball heads back to the middle for a centre bounce.
In the meantime, the AFL Review Centre (ARC) will investigate further into the score decision before indicating to the field umpire if the decision was incorrect.
Throughout Round 8, fans saw three reviews (Adelaide vs Port Adelaide; Sydney vs GWS; Melbourne vs Geelong) that were overturned despite the initial call being a goal.
Travis Boak booted one of the better goals you'll ever see...
...except it hit the post 😅#AFLCrowsPower pic.twitter.com/IEMyYNx14S
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 2, 2024
"It was quite efficient," Kane said.
"We had seven (score reviews) across the whole weekend. We had three games without any and three silent reviews that occurred during the ad break for those (watching) on television or while the players were resetting for those in the stadium.
"We were really pleased all those three silent reviews landed with the right outcome, the right score.
"And I think in the Melbourne-Geelong game, it even got a little bit of a cheer, which is a new thing for our score review processes."