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AFL admits tribunal system needed overhaul

24th February, 2015
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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan admits inconsistencies in player penalties helped prompt an overhaul of the tribunal system.

There will no longer be any carryover points after the biggest shakeup for the AFL judicial system since the match review panel was introduced in 2005.

It followed growing criticism of panel and tribunal findings.

“There were some inconsistencies last year,” McLachlan said.

“It was a system that was a huge step forward.

“But if there are opportunities to improve, if there are challenges or opportunities, we should take them.”

Luke Ball, Nathan Burke, Michael Christian and Brad Sewell will now form the match review panel, while fellow former players Daniel Harford and Shane Wakelin have joined the tribunal jury.

“We have a new group of people, past players, incredible, strong guys,” McLachlan said.

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“I’m optimistic that we’ll see an improvement.”

Meanwhile, the AFL will undertake a widespread review of the second-tier state leagues.

But McLachlan said the review was not the AFL’s bid to take over the leagues or to compete with soccer’s growing popularity.

Asked if the review would lead to a virtual takeover of the local leagues, McLachlan said: “no – absolutely not.

“We are in partnership with all of our states.

“We’re looking at a review of the spend through our states and look for opportunities for improvement across talent, community football and broader participation.

“I’m proud to say everyone has bought into it and we look for opportunities for improvement.”

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Asked if soccer’s rise had helped prompt the review, McLachlan replied: “I don’t think it’s relevant in any way.

“Soccer is a great sport – I only look at what we’re doing.

“We have an amazing game.”

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