Months ago, when the AFL was focusing on making certain once foundational football actions illegal in order to protect players from concussion, I suggested the next step would be the banning of the use of the knee in high marking as this routinely leads to concussion and serious injuries and I was derided as an idiot and my suggestion was considered as too ridiculous to even contemplate as a possibility.
Now, after our captain has seriously injured two players in the past three games with his knee in marking contests, we have Leigh Matthews saying he would consider banning the use of the knee in a marking contest. Leigh bloody Matthews of all people. This man always speaks bluntly and means what he says. If a player who thrived on the physical side of our game and often crossed the line is openly advocating for the banning of the knee to be on the table as an issue for the rules committee, I feel a deep fear for the game I love.
Now, after our captain has seriously injured two players in the past three games with his knee in marking contests, we have Leigh Matthews saying he would consider banning the use of the knee in a marking contest. Leigh bloody Matthews of all people. This man always speaks bluntly and means what he says. If a player who thrived on the physical side of our game and often crossed the line is openly advocating for the banning of the knee to be on the table as an issue for the rules committee, I feel a deep fear for the game I love.