Fremantle defender Luke Ryan became the latest player penalised under the AFL's new rule against head rubbing, giving away a free kick in Thursday night's top-of-the-ladder clash against the Sydney Swans. The incident occurred after Swans star Chad Warner tackled Ryan inside 50 and missed a set shot, prompting Ryan to laugh in Warner's face and rub his head. Warner appealed to the umpire, who awarded a free kick from the top of the goal square, allowing Charlie Curnow to convert and extend Sydney's lead.
Rule introduced after Voss incident
The rule was introduced mid-season after Fremantle's Patrick Voss rubbed the head of Melbourne's Harrison Petty and made a crybaby gesture in May. Voss was forced to apologise, and the AFL moved to stamp out what it called 'fake tough guy' acts. Luke Hodge commented on Channel 7: 'This rule got brought in because Patrick Voss did it to Harrison Petty earlier in the year, so the AFL brought it in to stop this — and it's backfired (on Fremantle).'
Reaction from commentators
Commentators were divided on the decision. Alister Nicholson called it 'a huge decision' that would give Sydney a goal. Hodge added: 'I can understand why they do (pay the free kick) because it escalates, but giving away a goal for that is a bit harsh.' Kane Cornes disagreed, saying: 'That's a no. It's a no from me.' Brian Taylor also disapproved of the rule.
The free kick helped Sydney take a 2.6 (18) to 0.5 (5) lead into quarter-time. The incident underscores the AFL's strict enforcement of the new rule, which aims to prevent provocative gestures that could escalate into on-field confrontations.
