Eddie McGuire has put forward a "conspiracy theory" regarding the AFL’s enforcement of the push-in-the-back rule, especially following several player injuries linked to marking contests during the pre-season. Notably, players like Mitch Owens, Brandon Starcevich, Jordan Croft, and Sam Lalor have all sustained injuries in such plays, raising concerns within the league.
On Fox Footy, analyst Leigh Montagna remarked on this worrying trend, while David King expressed that the situation poses serious risks to player safety. The rules specifically prohibit pushing or bumping an opponent in the back, which underscores the gravity of the injuries being reported.
In a discussion on Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy Podcast, Jimmy Bartel acknowledged that this issue is not new, noting that players often instinctively navigate marking contests with caution, indicating that the situation has persisted for some time.
McGuire, however, attributes the current practices to what he believes is a lack of consistent enforcement of the rules, suggesting that umpires are intentionally overlooking instances of pushing to enable defenders to better position themselves. He proposed that this shift has unintended consequences, particularly highlighting the potential for increased concussions that arise when marking plays are altered or diminished.
He further articulated his theory, questioning whether the league’s failure to enforce push-in-the-back violations is strategically designed to modify gameplay dynamics. McGuire noted the evolution in players’ approaches to marking contests, where the emphasis seems to have shifted away from traditional techniques of gaining height and position to tactics involving pushing opponents out of the way.
Recognising the dangerous nature of these new tactics, Bartel called for umpires to take a firmer stance, suggesting that early penalties for pushing would prompt players to adjust their strategies and maintain the integrity of marking contests.
In summary, both McGuire and Bartel advocate for a firmer regulatory approach from the umpires to safeguard players and enhance the quality of play in the AFL, encouraging a return to more traditional, fair practices during marking contests.