AHMED Saad’s unique approach to a set-shot goal could be heavily scrutinised by fans in the last leg of the NAB Challenge after the AFL announced it would trial a countdown clock on the scoreboard.
The initiative is one of many changes that have been announced for the remaining pre-season matches.
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AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans said the five matches at Etihad Stadium to be played on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday would see trials of a 15-second countdown clock during a player’s set shot for goal, the use of the PA system to relay umpire free kick explanations, the use of the PA system to provide further score review detail and an adjusted roof position at the two day matches.
In 2013, the AFL cracked down on the 30-second limit players have to take a set shot, calling ‘play on’ when the player hadn’t begun his approach to goal in the allotted time.
Saad’s slow and methodical technique averages 28-32 steps, prompting jeers from opposition supporters and a cult-like following from St Kilda fans.
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Evans said the AFL wrote to clubs yesterday to outline the trials and the process for each initiative, each one aimed at either engaging or informing the crowd.
They are as follows:
- 15 second shot clock – For when a player is having a shot at goal following a mark or free kick, a 15 second countdown clock will appear on the scoreboard and count from 15 down to zero at the point where the umpire tells the player he has 15 seconds remaining. The player must begin his approach before the clock reaches zero (or the umpire calls play on).
- Explanation of free kicks during scoreboard replays – Currently, the television audience receives some explanation via the umpire communications system, but this is not heard by patrons at the ground. The scoreboard operator will be connected to the umpire communication system and will activate explanation of the reason for the free kick during replays.
- Broadcasting umpire explanation of score reviews - The TV broadcast currently takes this audio and the AFL will now seek to play this audio on the ground PA, pending the audio quality but patrons are often uninformed.
- Countdown of quarter and half time breaks - A countdown clock will be shown on the scoreboard to inform patrons of the time remaining before play is scheduled to recommence.
- Roof positioning – At Saturday’s 1.10pm game between Richmond and North Melbourne and Sunday’s 4.40pm game between Carlton and the Geelong Cats, the western roof panel will be adjusted into a different position to try and reduce potential sunglare issues on the ground during play.
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