Let's Unpack AFL's New Controversial Man on the Mark Rule

Here's everything you need to know.

The AFL has successfully continued to make headlines with the latest rule change that was introduced in this year’s pre-season and is set to stick around for the entirety of the 2021 season.

To say the new rule is confusing would be an understatement. Players, umpires, commentators and fans have all been vocal about the new rule, crying out to the AFL to leave the game alone.

So, let’s break down the new rule so we can all understand what is happening to one of Australia’s favourite games, and how—if at all—it will impact the viewing experience.

This 50m penalty 😳 pic.twitter.com/48YSlCCGsw

— 7AFL (@7AFL) February 28, 2021

Okay. So, what is the new rule?

As per AFL’s official website, “The defending Player will only be permitted minimal lateral movement on The Mark. If the defending player moves off The Mark in any direction prior to ‘Play On’ being called, a 50-metre penalty will apply. The defensive team is unable to substitute the Player on The Mark.”

Basically, this new rule will stop any player manning the mark from moving sideways.

This is an attempt by the AFL to open up the game, allow faster ball movement, and increase scoring. (We’ll believe it when we see it.)

So, why is everyone angry about it?

It is not so much the rule itself, but the enforcement of the rule that has fans of the game upset.

Let's cast our minds back to the pre-season match between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle.

The Eagles’ Oscar Allen was lining up for a set shot 30 meters out from goal. The man marking him, Brennan Cox from the Dockers, made what was barely any movement on the mark, and yet the umpire blew the whistle and awarded Allen a 50-metre penalty.

Fellow Eagle Nic Naitanui even tweeted his confusion.

🥴 https://t.co/mJxr5uxbcE

— Nic Naitanui (@NicNat) February 28, 2021

Elsewhere, AFL Hall of Famer Kane Cornes took a shot at the AFL stating: “AFL is the hardest sport to successfully officiate in the world… this week we just made it even harder. Who’d be an AFL umpire?”

Well, what happens from here?

That is the million-dollar question. Yes, we’ve seen it in action during pre-season, but with more eyes on the screen with the start of the season looming on the horizon, we are guaranteed not to have seen the last of this.

At this stage it is too early to tell if the new rule will affect the viewing experience. Looks like we’ll just have to wait and see.

Our advice is stick by your newsfeed because it is guaranteed to blow-up the first time an umpire calls this in the regular season.

If you’re still trying to wrap your head around this rule, check out this useful video the AFL published on their website.

The new man on the mark rule is the worst rule the AFL has introduced since the last one they introduced.

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) February 23, 2021

Header Image: Daniel Kalisz / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images