Coaches back AFL reviews in search for correct calls

AFL clubs and fans will simply have to put up with more frequent score reviews if they want to see correct outcomes reached, Richmond coach Adem Yze says.

Criticism has mounted in recent weeks over the sheer number of video reviews being called for by umpires this season - many of which the critics have argued were unnecessary.

But Yze believes that umpires taking a cautious approach with their decisions will ultimately lead to the right calls being made.

"We want the right decision, so if we have to look at more (replays) to make sure we get it right, then we've got to take that 30 seconds and make sure it's right," Yze told Fox Footy's AFL360 on Monday night.

"We can't go through what we did last year with Adelaide (in their controversial loss to Sydney), so we can't have it both ways.

"If you want it right, it's going to take a bit of time."

Yze said he felt for goal umpires in their difficult role.

"They don't want to be that goal umpire that gets it wrong," he said.

"If they're calling for a score review, and even if it does seem like a blatant point or blatant touched, they've just got to get it right."

Speaking on the same program, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said it was a matter of choosing between getting decisions right or avoiding more delays in games.

"The AFL just needs a strong philosophy - either perfection or time," Mitchell said.

"If time is the most important thing and we want to get rid of all the breaks in the game and we want to keep the game going faster, then you can't get perfection.

"But with the camera angles and the perfection that the media outlets have and the access that you have, everything can get reviewed."

Meanwhile, the AFL has ruled out introducing a "captain's challenge" system where clubs would be allowed to contest umpiring decisions through video review.

Calls had grown louder for such a mechanism in the fallout from Fremantle's last-gasp loss to Carlton.

The league conceded Matthew Cottrell's mark, which led to the goal that put the Blues in front, should not have been awarded because it was touched by Docker James Aish.

But AFL football boss Laura Kane dismissed the "captain's challenge" idea.

"It's not something we're looking at," Kane told the AFL website on Monday.

"We're focusing on making sure that our technology is as good as it can be for score reviews.

"It's not something we're looking at extending into the game itself in terms of officiating the game."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store