‘Absolute Chaos’: Holding-the-Ball Rule Under Scrutiny Again as Frustrated Luke Beveridge Speaks Out

The Western Bulldogs’ coach, Luke Beveridge, has voiced his discontent regarding the interpretation of the holding-the-ball rule, stating that there is “total confusion” surrounding it and that he has never felt so “helpless” in this context.

Beveridge, who led the Bulldogs to their 2016 premiership, went as far as to say that umpires appear to be bewildered.

When questioned by journalists on Thursday about Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell receiving a three-match suspension for pushing St Kilda’s Liam O’Connell during a marking contest, Beveridge chose to focus on a broader issue.

“I don’t want to stir the pot too much today,” Beveridge remarked.

“What we should be concentrating on, setting aside the [Mansell incident], is the overwhelming uncertainty within the league regarding high-pressure situations involving tackles and being tackled.”

“The rule seems incomprehensible now, making it incredibly tough to coach.”

“How long can a player hold onto the ball? Is it acceptable to try to get rid of it? If you throw it and miss entirely, is that play on?”

“No one seems to grasp it.”

“I believe the suggestion is to reinstate prior opportunity and scrutinise incorrect disposals more closely.”

Prior to round 12 of the last season, the AFL had announced a shift in its interpretation of the holding-the-ball rule, stating that players would now have less time to dispose of the ball.

This change was made due to players becoming more cautious while tackling, prompted by concerns over head injuries, which in turn led to ball-carriers testing the limits of “reasonable time”.

“We’ve transitioned from that to a complete state of confusion, so it’s clear we need a revamp, and that has to come from the AFL,” Beveridge noted.

“The umpires are struggling to make sense of it. They are unsure how to call it, and our players can’t predict the outcomes either.

“Coaches have never felt as powerless when it comes to this situation as we do now.”

“I believe the entire competition is in a state of confusion.”

The Bulldogs are set to take on Fremantle in Perth this Sunday.