AFL UMPIRES manager Jeff Gieschen has warned that umpires will be tough on deliberate rushed behinds during the finals.
Gieschen endorsed a deliberate rushed decision against Richmond's Alex Rance in Adelaide on Sunday, and declared that North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell should have been penalised for punching the ball through for a behind against St Kilda on Saturday night.
In doing so, the umpires' boss signalled that whistle blowers would be vigilant on the rule in coming weeks.
"Richmond were under a little bit of pressure and they hit the ball back to Rance, but he wasn't under immediate pressure at the time," Gieschen said on What's Your Decision? on afl.com.au Tuesday night.
"When the ball was hit back to him he was pretty much in the clear, and he fumbled and bumbled the ball and took it across the line.
"We've been asked to be really strong with players who force the ball across the scoring line, particularly when they're not under a great deal of pressure.
"We want all players to be aware that they have a responsibility to try and keep the ball in play, particularly when they're not under pressure, and in this case Rance wasn't under immediate pressure."
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