The AFL has issued a warning to all players that they risk suspension if they choose to push their opponents into marking contests.
General Manager of Football Laura Kane has issued a memo to all clubs in reaction to the unfolding injury crisis that has resulted from that specific action.
Giants ruckman Kieren Briggs was the latest player to be affected by the action in question, after Collingwood's Darcy Cameron nudged him into the oncoming contest, resulting in Briggs being carted off in an ambulance following a collision with a teammate.
Three other instances have also played a role in forcing the AFL's hand to comment on the situation, with Sam Lalor, Laitham Vandermeer and Mitchito Owens all suffering injuries in a similar fashion.
Kane outlined in her memo that this action may now fall under the umbrella of rough conduct.
"Please note such conduct may also be subject to a charge of rough conduct as a reportable offence, if it constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed by the player to their opponent," she wrote, perย SEN.ย
"Please inform your players of this ahead of your first match.
"We will continue to umpire these instances as we have previously where a free kick will be awarded if a) a player unduly pushes their opponent in a marking contest or b) If a player pushes their opponent in the back in a marking contest."
Match review officer Michael Christian is yet to lay any charges in relation to these incidents, but the spotlight will be on Christian and the AFL to see how tight they've made the screws if it happens again.
Cameron however, believes that the rule does not need changing and that some things are just a part of the game.
"I don't think we need to change (the rule), I don't think there is a worry there," he said, viaย The Herald Sun.ย
"Sometimes the arms slip up, and they make contact and players get hit so many times. If we start taking those things out of the game, the game goes soft in a way.
"I didn't even realise I got him until I saw the big screen but my thoughts go out to him and his friends and family. You don't want to see the stretcher come out.
"But it is my craft, I am trying to stay close to him, I was almost on top of him in the end but it is pretty scary to see the cart come out so I am glad he's OK.
"There are footy accidents and some things you can't control. That is with injuries as well. Injuries and knocks. We want to protect the players but we can't take the game away either."
There are currently five branches of rough conduct as outlined by the AFL. These include high bumps, bumps to the body, dangerous tackles, contact below the knees and smothers.
Whether the AFL officially adds this action to the rule book is yet to be seen, but for now players will be on close watch.
