Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell says he won't be modifying his game to prevent careless contact with an umpire despite the AFL's most recent crackdown.
The league put forward that multiple offences could be sent to the Tribunal, which in turn could put a player in the gun for a match suspension. The AFL revealed players will soon face potential bans if they are found guilty of making 'careless contact with an umpire' four or more times.
Rowell has been sanctioned for this act on three separate occasions.
MORE: The irony in the AFL's crackdown on umpire contact
Following the 41-point victory over Essendon at Marvel Stadium, the former Pick 1 was quizzed about his techniques regarding umpire contact, and if he had made any alterations.
"Haven't changed anything," Rowell said bluntly.
"I'm just going to keep doing me."
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick sympathised with centre-bounce players in his "rant" earlier in the week.
"I'm just going to keep doing me."
Matt Rowell spoke post-game on the recent umpire contact controversy. #AFLDonsSuns pic.twitter.com/BKWztbEddl
— AFL (@AFL) July 5, 2025
"What can you tell me about the centre bounce of the ball? It goes anywhere. So it's really, really hard for the players to sit there whilst maintaining the consistency of protecting the umpire. But if the ball bounces sideways, they're going to move," Hardwick said.
"My question is, if the AFL spoke to the AFL Commission about taking away the bounce and throw it up, let's see if there's any significant change in the data.
"At the moment, the vast majority (of the offences) happen at centre bounce.
"Some of the ones (Rowell) is getting fined for is quite laughable to be perfectly honest.
"I think we can speak to the Commission about getting rid of the bounce, and let's throw it up.
"I know we're the Gold Coast Suns, and don't get me wrong, Matt Rowell is a superstar, but if this was spoken about with Nick Daicos, Collingwood would tear the place down.
"End of rant!"
St Kilda's Jack Macrae has been fined on multiple occasions for careless contact, with a major increase year-on-year in total sanctions handed down.
