AFL football boss Greg Swann says clubs remain confident in the overall standard of umpiring this season, even as he acknowledged that the league’s review system the ARC made errors during two high‑profile matches on Sunday. His comments come amid growing frustration from fans and clubs following decisions that influenced the outcomes of the St Kilda West Coast clash at Docklands Stadium and the GWS–North Melbourne match at Manuka Oval.
The most contentious moment unfolded when play was abruptly halted more than a minute after St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall had taken a mark on the goal line. The unexpected stoppage left players, commentators and supporters bewildered. Although the ARC ultimately reached the correct decision, Swann admitted the process “took way too long” and created unnecessary confusion.
In response, the AFL has moved to tighten the rules around the review system. Swann confirmed that the ARC will no longer be permitted to stop play to review an earlier incident once the game has continued. If a goal umpire does not call for a review immediately, the opportunity will not be available later.
The league hopes the change will restore confidence and reduce delays, ensuring the flow of the game is not disrupted by retrospective reviews.
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