'Ridiculous': Controversy erupts as AFL rule 'exploited' in final seconds
Confusion erupted in Gold Coast’s thrilling last-gasp win over Carlton, with many believing the Suns deliberately flouted the new 6-6-6 rule in the final seconds.
Jack Bowes’ last-minute snap pinched a two-point victory for Gold Coast and cruelly kept Carlton winless on Sunday.
Bowes put the Suns in front with just 10 seconds to play, but controversy erupted from the ensuing centre bounce when Gold Coast fell foul of the 6-6-6 rule:
Many believed Carlton should have been awarded what could have been a match-changing free kick, but umpires simply dished out a warning.
However in bizarre scenes, the Suns actually appeared to have an extra man in their own forward 50, rather than up back defending their lead like many thought.
Regardless, the umpire’s decision to dish out a warning left a number of fans and pundits fuming.
Former player Mick McGuane unloaded on Twitter, saying the rule was being deliberately ‘exploited’.
“Message to AFL : please p*** off the warning when a team doesn’t set up the 6,6,6 rule at centre bounces,” he wrote.
“Give a free kick against if they transgress. It is amateurish. It is being exploited. This is AFL football played by professionals so don’t give them an out. #AFLSunsBlues”
Veteran journo Peter Ryan also believed a free kick should have been awarded, and he wasn’t alone.
Liam 'Leigh Colbert' Jones. Ridiculous. Warning for 6-6-6. Just a warning with 10 seconds to go. That game was outrageous. #aflsunsblues
— peter ryan (@petryan) April 14, 2019
Likes: the Saints & Suns continuing to prove the doubters wrong
Dislikes: the continuing proliferation of ACL injuries; the 6-6-6 infringement warning (it should be a free-kick as teams are using this as a tactic)— Smokie Dawson (@smokiedawson) April 14, 2019
Like: 6-6-6, Suns dislike: Umpires issuing a warning
— Sean Wilkinson (@swilko22) April 14, 2019
Suns deliberately flouting 6/6/6 rule…
— jared johnson (@corsairjad) April 14, 2019
Agree. Suns did it deliberately too & yet didn't see Suns line up 6-6-6 correctly after warning. 4 rounds in. Enough with the warning.
— JIMMY PAVLOVIC (@jpavlovic801) April 14, 2019
In trying to protect a two point lead with ten seconds to go the Suns were warned under the 6-6-6 rule…for having an extra FORWARD!!!
— Burly Richmondite (@Ambiguous_Andy) April 14, 2019
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has previously expressed his dislike for the warning, fearing this exact scenario would play out.
“It’s exploitable, that’s why it’s an absolute joke to have a warning … how can you have a warning?” he told SEN Radio.
“Why wouldn’t you, with eight seconds left in the game roll the dice?
“If you get away with it then great, you’ve got an advantage, and if you don’t, well, then it’s only a warning.”
