Concern over new man on mark rule

DECORATED umpire Shaun Ryan says the new man on the mark rule is set to make a tough job even more difficult for the whistleblowers this year.

Clubs are bracing for a wave of costly 50m penalties early in the season after the league’s call to ban the man on the mark from moving in any direction before play on is called.

The AFL has warned in briefings that even the slightest movement to the left or right from the man on the mark will incur a hefty 50m penalty.

While the league is encouraged by the players’ adherence in match simulation following hundreds of meetings with clubs, Ryan (pictured) said the new rule adds another layer of complexity for the umpires.

“It is certainly an area that is going to be difficult for the umpires because they’ve got so many things to observe and all of them are fatal,” Ryan said.

“If you miss the person move off the mark then you’ve missed the 50m, if you miss the guy play on and pay a 50m then it is big and if you miss the player entering the protected area they are all reasonably big-ticket items.

“And it is all within a second or two of the player taking the mark. So, it was tough prior to this because there is already a fair bit going on and often our priority is the man with the ball because as soon as he plays on all bets are off. That is really crucial and there is an emphasis on the protected area as well but now there is going to be a bit of a priority with the man on the mark.”

The AFL is confident the initiative will result in a more open, free-flowing and high scoring game. “We want to see players do random acts, see more instinctive acts and take the game on,” AFL operations manager Steve Hocking said.

Carlton star Patrick Cripps said the shift would have a considerable impact on the game and favour quick teams.

“If you are an attacking team I think it will benefit you a lot more,” Cripps said. “It is really going to help guys who are quick off the mark.”