The need for using video or boundary line stewards to assist umpires in their decisions is more important now on the eve of the finals than ever before . While every other football code in the world is referring to video evidence more and more, it seems the AFL is reluctant to use the technology – possibly because it will expose how wrong, or lopsided some umpire interpretation of the rules really are.

Even if the AFL didn’t go as far as having a couple of umpires make video decisions that would disallow scores if an infringement has occurred before the kick for goal was taken, the governing body must do something to remedy the situation. Yes, awarding free kicks in such a way may slow the game down a little, but it’s better to get it right, than a bad decision cost a team the game – more so if that match happened to be a final. If the League continues to rely on the umpire’s interpretation of the rules, then it will open itself up to scrutiny and may even produce an unwanted legal challenge sometime in the future should a side feel that an umpire’s decision cost it a premiership.

Last week’s block buster at Etihad stadium between the Blues and Hawks raised more questions about umpires decisions than not. Hawthorn’s ‘Buddy’ Franklin kicked two goals after he ran further than 15 metres without bouncing the ball, which the umpires either missed, overlooked or did not want to entertain a ‘run too far’ decision. Same game, the men in ‘white’ again were very frugal to pay ‘holding’ or ‘incorrect disposal of the ball’ decisions and completely butchered the advantage rule on many occasions.

The football public, who now enjoy the benefit of super-slow-mo TV replays of match incidents on big screens, may ultimately not tolerate match officials umpiring based on individual interpretation, especially in important games. The alternative, apart from instant video evidence, is to position stewards around the boundary line observing the game and with as much power as central umpires to halt play when they see an infringement.

If the AFL is reluctant to do anything about it, then the umpire’s director Jeff Gieschen, should. Umpires need to be re-educated, to consistently turn out correct decisions when the rules are broken – not on their interpretation – but based on infringements committed without the concessions of, ‘the benefit of the doubt’, or ‘prior opportunity’ ever coming into the equation.