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'Hang your head': AFL legend explodes over 'ludicrous' moment

AFL legend Malcolm Blight has courted controversy by light-heartedly suggesting GWS Giants star Toby Greene should never have been born” while debating the merits of the league’s ‘studs up’ rule.

The controversial rule became a talking point over the weekend when Collingwood star Jeremy Howe was penalised for putting his foot in the back of Melbourne’s Tom McDonald in a marking contest.

The regulation was brought in after a controversial moment involving Green last season, in which the Giants star inadvertently kicked then-Bulldogs player Luke Dalhaus in the face during a marking contest.

It was brought in to prevent players from raising their studs in marking contests, but Blight dismissed the move as a “knee-jerk reaction” on SEN’s Whateley on Wednesday.

Marking attempts from Jeremy Howe and Toby Green, pictured left and right, have prompted fierce debate in AFL circles.
Comparison's between marking attempts from Collingwood's Jeremy Howe and GWS star Toby Greene have prompted fierce debate. Pictures: Getty Images/7AFL

Blight’s “never been born” comment preceded his tirade against the rule.

“It’s (Greene’s) fault. Of course it is. We’ve been doing it for 120 years and everyone’s been happy with it,” Blight said.

“It’s actually officialdom gone silly. It’s ludicrous.

“Because one person did an act and kicked out at a player coming out at him and hit him in the face. It’s not on. It’s a free kick every day.

“You don’t need to change the rules for it. Toby Greene hang your head in shame and the rule-makers hang your heads in shame.”

AFL fan warned by police for 'barracking too loud'

A passionate Collingwood fan claims police threatened to evict him from the Magpies’ Queen’s Birthday clash with Melbourne for “barracking too loud”.

39-year-old Magpies fan Simon Grech was seated in the Collingwood members section when he claims to have been approached by police.

Speaking to The Age, Mr Grech said police themselves freely admitted he had not been swearing or using any other abusive language, but that he was nonetheless warned to tone it down.

Mr Grech says police told him they were simply following protocol.

“I want to to know whose orders are they acting on because it's getting beyond a joke," Mr Grech said.

"I'm not at the ballet, I'm at the footy. I pay $1000 a year, why should the AFL take my money and then take away my right to support my team?”