MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers attempts to mark during the round 22 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has taken umbrage at two free kicks that were paid against star forward Jack Riewoldt in his side's important win over West Coast on Sunday afternoon.

On two separate occasions, Riewoldt was penalised for two mark attempts in which he had his studs up, although they were both in the back of his opponent, rather than the front.

The rule was originally thought to have brought in to stamp out studs up attempts like Toby Greene's in the past, which were all front on to his opponent.

“I don’t think that’s why the rule was brought in for,” he told reporters post-game.

“If you don’t want high marks in the game, c’mon. I don’t think it’s a good rule personally.”

“At the end of the day, the rule was brought in for the guy that kicks the guy in the head,” he said.

“The last time I looked, that player’s head wasn’t on his hamstring. Have some common sense.

“I didn’t know why we needed the rule in the first place to be honest, we seem to have a very reactive nature at stages. The game of AFL is so tough on these blokes. Don’t give them so many rules.”