Fair or Farcical? Looking at the AFL’s New ‘Stand the Mark’ Rule

Ahead of the 2021 AFL season, the AFL Commission have introduced the new ‘stand the mark’ rule. On paper, the freshly-implemented regulation looks to inject fresh life into the sport, although it is yet to win over too many players and coaches. Under the new ruling, players standing the mark can’t move in any direction until the umpire calls “stand”. In pre-season, the new regulation has been a talking point, with one coach saying that you can “exploit” the ruling in attack. So, let’s look into the rule and consider if it’s fair or farce.

Dividing Opinions

As time progresses, it’s of utmost importance that sports evolve to continue attracting new audiences. Just look at soccer, for example, which is currently in the midst of welcoming video technology. The need to look forward is no different in the AFL, and that’s where the new ‘stand the mark’ rule comes into play. However, with coaches already suggesting that the regulation can be exploited, it implies that there are issues that need ironing out. Since its introduction, few can argue that the forward-thinking alteration hasn’t had been incredibly divisive among Aussie Rules professionals.

Interestingly, All-Australian selector, Jude Bolton, is quoted as describing the new rule as “really poor”. Moreover, Sam Kerridge, a former Adelaide and Carlton player, labels the changes as “hard to watch”, while the Adelaide coach, Matthew Nicks, states that the new ‘stand the mark’ rule “worries him”. Fundamentally, the regulation strives to increase the game’s speed. However, the 45-year-old believes that the opposite is happening, and thus the prospect of high-scoring football is being jeopardised.

Needing to Alter the Existing Ruling?

Currently, it’s impossible to definitively say that the new rule has changed the sport for the better. That said, the regulation in its new form is still in its infancy, meaning that there’s scope for refinement later down the line. Steve Hocking, the AFL’s Head of Football, is pleased with the directive that limits defenders’ movements, although he also indicated that if the rule needs “subtle adjustments”, then that’s something the sport’s hierarchy will consider.

However, in its current state, the revised regulation doesn’t limit the impact of all players. Because of his pace and directness, Matthew Lloyd, a former AFL professional, believes that Carlton’s Adam Saad will benefit from the altered ‘stand the mark’ rule. From an offensive standpoint, it opens the door to more fast-paced movement. In turn, the directive brings an element of unpredictability to the sport and potentially enables a surprise Grand Final winner to emerge. As of March 2nd, the Blues are 25/1 in Aussie Rules betting to win the Grand Final in 2021. If Saad can have the impact that many are predicting, he may spearhead Carlton’s pursuit of a 17th Grand Final triumph.

Is the Ruling Here to Stay?

Given that the AFL’s hierarchy appears happy with the rule, it’s unlikely that drastic alterations will occur any time soon. That said, slight changes aren’t out of the question if the current directive adversely impacts the sport’s flow. Ultimately, the newly-introduced ‘stand the mark’ decision has changed the AFL’s landscape, but it’s unclear if it’s done so for the better.