Vote help for umps
Coaches baffled by decisions
STATE League coaches have called for umpires to be supported with match dayvotes.
The introduction of player statistics for the competition in 2020 has added another layer of professionalism, but also increased scrutiny on everyone involved in the game.
This has arguably amplified the task facing the whistle blowers by the Mercury’s exclusive day by day reveal of voting forth eA last air Lynch Medal.
There have been some big discrepancies in the first three rounds of votes. In Round 1, Launceston ruckman Hamish Leedham was judged best a field by the umpires, despite being overlooked in his side’s best players and being dropped the following week.
In Round 2, the Blues defeated North Launceston with Michael Musicka awarded three votes from 12 possessions at 41 per cent efficiency, with team mate Fletcher Seymour overlooked after gathering a match-high 27, five tackle sand five clearances.
A big game from Lynch Medal favourite Jobi Harper in Round 3 against the Tigers (36 disposals ,23 contested ,11 clearance sand ago al) net ted two votes, while North Hobart’s Jake Steele and Jeff Fisher caught the umpires’ eye despite not being in the Demons’ best in the upset win over Lauderdale.
“They need support, I know with the Brownlow Medal the umpires get the stats after the game, we probably don’t have the resources,” Clarence coach Jeromey Webber le y said.
“This year we have had stats on a Saturday night, so maybe they should receive those Sunday and vote after.
“I couldn’t fathom how the umpires would know who the best player is on the ground when they are umpiring. I can’ t do it as a coach .”
Launceston coach Mitch Thorp said he was surprised at seeing who received the Round 2 votes after his side defeated its cross town rivals.
“You do scratch your head a little bit sometimes when votes are given and you know as a coach what’s actually transpired in the game ,” Tho rps aid.
“It is interesting that North Launnie game with Michael, he did play well, but he did only have 12 disposals .”