Jeff Gieschen says 50m penalty that hurt Tigers was incorrect
Mark Stevens | April 08, 2009
THE AFL umpiring department has conceded Richmond copped a raw deal with the contentious 50m penalty against Daniel Jackson on Saturday.
Jackson was penalised under the new rule designed to deter players from slinging an opponent to the ground after he disposes of the ball. The penalty cost the Tigers a goal.
But after viewing all footage, including from behind the goals, AFL umpiring boss Jeff Gieschen has confirmed the tackle on Geelong's Joel Corey should have been penalised by a free kick only.
Gieschen also confirmed a 50m penalty against Sydney forward Barry Hall on Saturday night under the same rule was also wrong.
After two rounds, the umpires have paid 14 50m penalties under the "sling" rule, with three deemed incorrect.
The Jackson decision brought the rule sharply into focus because Richmond had momentum in the third quarter and the resulting goal to Corey was a savage blow.
Gieschen confirmed he had spoken to Richmond coach Terry Wallace on the issue on Sunday and again on Monday.
"I guess Richmond would certainly feel aggrieved that the 50m penalty was applied," Gieschen said.
"It is not a free kick and 50 because it wasn't a tackle or sling to the ground after he got rid of the ball.
"It was a secondary action. It should have been a free kick where Jackson and Corey were or where the ball was, whatever was the greatest advantage to Geelong.
"Most people thought the decision was for the initial tackle. It wasn't for that.
"The tackle was fine, Corey got rid of the ball and the umpire called play-on.
"About three seconds after the ball had left Corey's hands, you hear the whistle go again.
"Other footage behind the goals showed Jackson on top of Corey pinning him to the ground, not letting him go. As it is a secondary action, a free kick only should have been paid."
Richmond has conceded five goals from 50m penalties this year, more than any other club.
Despite the 50m penalties under the new rule, the 50m penalty rate has not risen after two rounds. At this stage last year the umps had paid 53 - 45 for general offences and eight for abuse. This year, they have paid 53 - 49 general and four for abuse.
Gieschen backed the decision to penalise Tiger Luke McGuane for time-wasting when he punched the ball away after Cameron Mooney had kicked a goal, costing another third-quarter goal.
HEAVY PENALTY
Goals conceded from 50m penalties
Richmond 5
Fremantle 3
Collingwood 2
Sydney 2
Hawthorn 2
West Coast 1
Brisbane Lions 1
Melbourne 1
Western Bulldogs 1
Adelaide 1
All other clubs 0
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25305871-19742,00.html
the Geesh has as much of an idea about running the rules committee as he did as coach of our club.
absolutely NFI
About the Geesh.
he actually could coach and was one of the first to play players behind the ball and push through the corridor.
Oh, how we forget the win in the last round against Carlton at Princess Park in the 90,s
The Geesh at least showed passion as a coach, unlike the used car salesman we now have. lol.
The Geeshs problem was that once the opposition coaches worked it out, the Geesh didnt have the game plan B or C.
I like the Geesh, at least he was full of CRAP.
Also, you cant blame the umpires for the current situation.
If they dont award the frees as per the rules, they get dropped the following week,.
Apart from the Daniel Jackson incident, the umpiring has been okay
Its the rules that are the problem.
