The AFL recognizes Ginnivan deserves a high free contact; triple-premiership Tiger call time; Stanley is absent

Amid claims that Ginnivan was targeted because of his low tackle technique, Collingwood president Jeff Browne said the club had sought clarification from the AFL.

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“I think the referee can go in your favor, and against you,” Browne told 3AW. “I know what you mean and it must have been on my mind. We need to clarify this with the referee, there is no question about that.

“I don’t know if it was personal, but it was, obviously, a directive and in certain cases it was implemented incorrectly. We need to talk about that.”

Ginnivan hasn’t dropped his body yet but still finds himself blocked by Redman.

The club’s move came as a league crackdown emerged in the 19th round leading to a low season – outside of the byes – for a high free-kick.

Ginnivan has been awarded the highest free-kick this season (17), two ahead of Geelong captain Joel Selwood. But he hasn’t received one over the past two weeks, initially coinciding with a larger public debate about his tactics, and this weekend after the AFL issued a warning to all clubs, declaring any player who ducks or shrugs in a tackle will not win by head free. kick.

Magpies legend Tony Shaw said Ginnivan had been treated unfairly and was asked if he had been targeted by the referee.

“I am biased but it can be anyone. I just think it’s a shame how this man is being treated at this time. Not just on the pitch but a bit off the pitch at the moment,” said Shaw.

“I think he has been placed as the poster boy for this interpretation. I think that’s wrong.

“We know the referee has been told his interpretation but it looks like this young man hasn’t been crucified, but he is the man they are after, and I think the club should be tough enough to come up to them and say this is unfair. . What will happen to the referee with a decision like that? It has become personal.”

Magpies coach Craig McRae, whose side are enjoying a nine-game winning streak, said Ginnivan should have won the free-kick.

“To be honest, I thought it was a free-kick. It just looked like he was handling it aloft. I don’t think anyone leans into it,” McRae said.

“I’m very clear on that. The referee has come to our training… I have no problem with that decision. We will play by the rules. In my opinion, it was a free-kick but I could be wrong.”

McRae said he hoped Ginnivan would not pay the price for his reputation.

“You hope not. Referees are in a position to call it as they see it,” he said.

The AFL’s crackdown on players trying to win high-tackling free-kicks led to just 62 free kicks being paid across nine games over the weekend, compared to a season average of 82, and a season high of 114 at round 10.

The previous three lows were at bye 14 (52 head-high free kicks), 13 (56) and 12 (64), while the low for the full round was 69 in round 15.

The AFL said the referees had done a “great job” over the weekend.

“There are instances where, at full speed, in real time and at ground level, some decisions are very challenging to make, and this is an example,” the league said.

AFL refereeing boss Dan Richardson last week said the players being dealt with had a duty to protect themselves from risking their heads trying to take free-kicks, as the league is doing all it can to ease concussion problems.

Ginnivan has been involved in a number of controversial tackles this season.Credit:Getty Images

“The health and safety of players is a primary concern of the AFL and clubs, and we will continue to work with clubs, their coaching panel and players to ensure match safety,” he said.

The AFL says instructions for referees are:

• If the tackle is reasonable, there is no prior chance and the ball carrier is responsible for high contact via shrugging, dropping or raising the arm – play on must be cancelled.
• If the tackle is done reasonably, and there is an earlier chance, and the ball carrier is responsible for high contact via shrugging, dropping or raising the arm – holding the ball must be done.
• If a player has his head on the ball and tries to gain possession of the ball and high contact, a free kick for high contact will be taken.

Tigers premiership three star call time

Russell Bennett

One of the favorite sons of the current Richmond era, Kane Lambert, has announced his immediate retirement from football citing his ongoing hip problem and his inability to maintain his high standards as major factors.

Trent Cotchin and Kane Lambert celebrate Richmond’s 2020 grand final victory.Credit:Getty Images

Lambert, now 30, made his debut for the Tigers in round 2, 2015 after being selected in the rookie draft.

He was 23 when he was drafted, having famously missed out on 836 previous draft picks.

Lambert went on to play 135 games across nearly eight seasons for the yellow and black team, winning the major championships in 2017, 2019, and 2020 and was included in the All-Australia squad in 2018.

He told Richmond’s website that, rather than trying to prove wrong to anyone who doubted him, he aimed to prove right those who supported him.

Tough and skilled – Kane Lambert has ended his playing career.Credit:Getty Images

“My goal is to prove righteous people, people who care about me and give me their time and effort,” he said.

“I am very lucky to be able to thank those people.

“It’s not about what you win, it’s who you win it with, and it’s an absolute pleasure to share this journey with all of our players, staff and members both past and present.”

The accolades for which Lambert was held at Punt Road is evidenced by him winning the peer-picked Francis Bourke Award in 2020 – which is awarded to the player who most upholds the values ​​of the group.

On the pitch, the forward-midfielder shows real consistency in his performances. Despite losing nine games in 2021, he still finished in the top 10 in the Jack Dyer Medal voting for the fifth year in a row.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to Lambert’s playing career, telling the club’s website: “What Kane has given us since he arrived at the foot club can never be paid back, but it can be learned.

“Dedication, resilience and all the things we talk about are needed to get the best out of you, this man has done it.

“The way he plays the game; we change things based around it, and how Lambert is going to do it. Watching it on the pitch is like a master class for AFL coaches.

“Kane has given us success, but he has also given us some things off the pitch that will last a long time.”

Stanley will miss; Lobb for back, Fyfe out for two

Jon Pierik and Nell Geraets

Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley has avoided serious injury but will be out for the medium term following a knee injury in Saturday night’s win over Port Adelaide.

“Rhys injured his right knee during Saturday’s game against Port Adelaide and was pulled out of the game at half-time,” said Cats chief medical officer Harry Taylor.

“In some positive news, scans show only a minor cartilage injury and some bone contusions, with Rhys expected to be sidelined only in the medium term.”

Ruckman Geelong Rhys Stanley will be out for several weeks, following a knee injury on Saturday.Credit:Getty Images

Veteran con artists Jonathon Ceglar, Esava Ratugolea and Toby Conway could replace Stanley for Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.

Midfielder Sam Menegola hopes to be back from a concussion.

Fremantle’s Rory Lobb is hoping to return in the Dockers’ upcoming clash with Melbourne, potentially making an important addition to a forward line that is missing captain Nat Fyfe.

Lobb participated in a light training session on Monday, running laps and performing well during marking and kicking drills.

Rory Lobb of Fremantle could replace Nat Fyfe this weekend.Credit:Getty Images

The 29-year-old missed a shock draw with Richmond in round 19 after failing to board a flight to Melbourne due to a shoulder injury, which he injured early in the Dockers’ loss to Sydney a week earlier.

Lobb did not strap on his right shoulder during Monday’s training, indicating an important step towards his return ahead of the team’s clash with the prime minister at the Optus Stadium on Friday. In the absence of their captain, Lobb could be an important substitute in Fremantle’s front line against the Demons.

Fyfe is likely to stay out until round 23 when the Dockers face Greater Western Sydney.

The 30-year-old midfielder forward did not train with his team-mates on Monday following the hamstring injury he sustained in the draw with Richmond. It was only his sixth game since recovering from a back complaint.

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Although scans reveal that the damage to his hamstring is not severe, he is expected to miss at least the next two games, weakening the team’s midfield and forwards ahead of Friday’s blockbuster clash.

Key defender Alex Pearce is still in contention to face Melbourne despite missing training on Monday following an ankle injury in round 19. Forward-midfielder Nathan O’Driscoll will also be available for selection after his WAFL stint, while Griffin Logue is ready to play at both ends of the pitch at the moment. that is, too.

Fremantle currently sit fifth in the ladder but are a very real chance of victory against the Demons, who have lost two of their last three games – including to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday. But if Lobb isn’t available for selection on Friday, the Dockers will need to count on Lloyd Meek and Sean Darcy to fend off the formidable Demon duo Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.

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