Worsfold happy with umpiring of Kerr - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Worsfold happy with umpiring of Kerr

By Tim Clarke 23/04/2008 05:32:32 PM Comments (0)

West Coast coach John Worsfold says he is comfortable Daniel Kerr is getting a fair go from umpires, despite the unprecedented blocking tactics being used to quell the influence of the Eagles' star.

With West Coast's form already suffering from under-par performances, Kerr ran into double trouble last weekend when Port Adelaide tagger Kane Cornes was given extra help at stoppages to ensure Kerr was kept quiet.

While a second follower was assigned to the Brownlow Medal runner-up, coach Mark Williams also employed a blocker for any teammate trying to help Kerr get space, with Matt Rosa the man often blocked off.

Worsfold said although Kerr's close attention was an issue, it was not yet serious enough to warrant a call to umpires' boss Jeff Gieschen.

"Around the stoppages I think the umpires are keeping a pretty close eye on things, away from that I think all players should have the ability to run," Worsfold said.

"The umpires are aware of it (Kerr being tagged tightly) and we let them know about it last year. We expect Daniel would let them know if he was not getting a fair run.

"That is probably fair tactics as well, block the blocker. We have just got to find ways to make sure our whole group can function well.

"We still did pretty well at clearances at the weekend, without Daniel getting his hands on the football.

"In terms of Daniel getting a free run to be able to play his best football, that is really an umpiring thing and they are aware of what goes on with every good player in every side.

"All I expect from umpires is for them to do their job."

Kerr picked up 13 touches, and one free kick, in the Eagles' fourth straight loss, and admitted the lack of other targets for taggers in the West Coast midfield was leaving him exposed.

"It is a little bit tough out there and obviously there are a lot less players to worry about now that Ben (Cousins) and Chris (Judd) have gone and Matty Priddis is injured," Kerr told Fairfax radio.

"It is something I have to deal with. Obviously I have to be on the move more at stoppages and try and get a few more free kicks.

"I am actually as fit as I have ever been and I am running as far as I do when I am playing good football.

"It is just that I am running with someone so close to me that I have not been able to get free."

Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher will be two players whose places in the side will come under scrutiny at the Eagles' match committee on Wednesday, while Ashley Hansen is back into consideration following a hamstring injury.

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