Bump to vanish from AFL: Port coach - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Bump to vanish from AFL: Port coach

By Steve Larkin 11/03/2009 04:47:03 PM Comments (0)

The bump will vanish from the AFL as soon as this season, Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams says.

Williams believes it's inevitable the bump will disappear as the AFL hierarchy seek to make the game "a spectacle that mothers will want their kids to choose".

Asked on Wednesday if the bump is dead following the AFL redefining high contact laws, Williams said: "In the long run, if it's not this year, in five year's time I am sure that is how it will evolve."

The AFL last month revised high contact laws, declaring any head contact will be punished regardless of whether it's accidental.

The move followed the AFL's appeals tribunal erasing the four-match tribunal suspension to Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell for rough conduct for a bump which broke the jaw of West Coast 20-year-old Patrick McGinnity.

Port players have been coached not to bump, Williams said.

"I don't see much point in bumping," he said.

"If the player has got the ball, tackle him; if they haven't got the ball, just shepherd them.

"It (bumping) has become such a grey area that you are always putting yourself in some sort of danger to get reported, so I don't see any point in it."

Williams said he also expected the new rushed behind rule to be introduced to the premiership season.

The rule, being trialled in the preseason competition, pays a free kick against a player who deliberately rushes a point.

The AFL's laws of the game committee will decide on Thursday whether to recommend the introduction of the rule for the premiership season, with the AFL commission likely to make a final determination at a March 20 meeting.

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