Why a disputed $50 million penalty was paid to Blues
The AFL has explained the reasoning that resulted in a critical $50 million penalty being paid against the Blues.

THE AFL has supported the decision to award a disputed 50-metre penalty against Carlton in the fourth term of Saturday’s loss to Geelong at the MCG.

Early in the fourth quarter, Cats star Jeremy Cameron beat Harry McKay for a mark on the Members’ wing before the Blues forward, who appeared to take a knock to his leg during the game, briefly stood on the mark before hobbling back to the defensive 50 after seeing his skipper Patrick Cripps stand on the mark and put his hands up as Cameron prepared to kick.

However, after nominating McKay as the player to stand, the field umpire awarded the Cats a 50-metre penalty because McKay moved illegally from the mark. Cameron converted the ensuing shot on goal, increasing Geelong’s lead to 21 points.

Laura Kane, the AFL’s Executive General Manager of Football, stated that when two or more players attempt to stand on the mark, the field umpire will determine which player should stand, allowing others to move out of the protective area.

On Saturday, Kane stated that the umpire asked for McKay to stand, but the Blues forward appeared to ignore the signal and moved illegally off the mark.

When asked how umpires decide which player should stand the mark, Kane said, “There’s a little bit of common sense involved.”

“If a player self-selects and is closest to where the mark has been paid, and then stands on that mark, it is certainly them. If two players arrive at the area at the same time and the umpire is unsure who is remaining and who is about to leave, the umpire may choose one of the players and direct them to stay while instructing the other to leave.

“In the case over the weekend, the umpire directed Harry to stay on the mark, but

“It’s a practical application.” If there is only one player, it is evident. However, there are situations when there is more than one. The controlling umpire nearest to the contest will make a call and tell the players to stay place.

“But in this case, unfortunately, the player has headed off and the 50 metres has been paid.”