AFL COACH SAYS THERE’S A PLACE FOR RED CARDS

AFL JOHN Longmire believes there is a place in the AFL for a red card rule as the Swans coach backs the league’s crackdown on all punches.

The AFL considered but then decided against a red card rule for 2019 following Andrew Gaff’s punch.

This season all punches will be penalised with a free kick, fine or suspension.

Sydney lost Callum Mills early in 2017 a clash against Melbourne when he was floored by Tom Bugg, with the Demon allowed to play on.

Longmire told Melbourne’s Herald Sun the AFL should reconsider the red card rule given the consequence of losing a player for most of a game.

“I think the (punch crackdown) is a reasonable move from the AFL to something we don’t need.

“I understand it went horribly wrong last year with one incident.

“I know Andrew (Gaff) pretty well and he just isn’t like that, it wasn’t intended but it’s something to be aware of.

“I still think (a red card) needs to be discussed. At that particular time you lose a player and it’s the week after your opposition gets a leg-up and the advantage.

“But in the course of the game you are disadvantaged. It could create other issues and unintended consequences but is there a panel that could look at it during the course of the game?

“Of the really serious incidents, where do you draw the line? I don’t think it should be dismissed.”

Longmire is aware Zak Jones needs to be aware of his levels of aggression after a twomatch rough conduct suspension last year as well as separate fines for punching and rough conduct.

“He missed a bit of time last year and we have ongoing conversations educating him. We love what he brings but we don’t want him to cross the line,” he said.

On the subject of recreation, Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines has an advocate in Longmire after his contentious water skiing injury this year.

Longmire grew up along the Murray River and still loves water skiing, saying he constantly tells his players to find the balance in their pastimes.

“Every player has to have a life,’’ he said.

“A lot of our players surf and the SCG is 10 minutes away from some of the great surf beaches in the country.

“So we want to embrace it, but a three-foot wave is a lot different to a 10-foot wave.”