To me the HTB and DTB interpretations by the umps changes every week. Obviously as a Tigers supporter I have a one eyed view but really it does seem that we have to make the perfect tackle to have any chance of getting a free whereas the opposition just seem to touch our guys and the ball spills and it's a free every time.
I thought they did OK last night. There were a couple that did my head in, but generally they got it right.
I think a lot of people don't actually understand how these rules are meant to work.
My understanding is;
First of all, you have to have had prior opportunity, this is the contentious part, but as a general rule if the player with the ball takes 3 steps, they will be deemed to have prior. If they duck their head, keep low and charge head first, attempt a fend off, take possession out of the ruck or while on the ground, or play on from a free kick or mark they have had prior opportunity.
The player with the ball, must still make a legitimate attempt to dispose of the ball correctly though. A one handed handpass will be illegal disposal every time, regardless.
Although they are not instructed to, umpires will give more leeway to a player attempting to kick the ball rather than handpass. A handpass must be a clear definitive handball, yet the ball has to only brush the boot to be a kick.
There are some strange inconstancies though. If the ball is knocked out in the tackle or the player attempts to kick it but misses, with no prior, it is play on, yet if the ball touches the ground while in possession and being tackled it is dropping the ball as it is regarded as bouncing the ball.
If the player drop kicks while tackled it is dropping the ball
Also, if a team mates takes the ball from the players possession while he is tackled it is illegal disposal.
Many people seem to want the rules interpreted in a way that would actively discourage players from taking possession in a contested situation, which goes against everything the game is about.
The worst decision last night was when cotchin layed a high tackle and got the free kick. It was pretty sweet an nearly made up for crucifying us with the advantage rule, where they were way to quick to call play on.
