Bounce ban angers critic

AFL legend Kevin Bartlett has condemned opposition to football’s centre ball bounce to commence play.

Bartlett wants to keep the bounce, and to allow its use around the ground.

“The bounce is unique . . . with the oval ball that sometimes went off centre and at different heights, ruckwork once was an art form,” he told SEN yesterday

“Now, they want a basketball tip-off to start our great game. Good God.”

AFL umpires coach Hayden Kennedy said the bounce was detrimental not only to fairness but also attempts to raise standards.