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AFL Revises ARC Protocol Following Goal Review Errors; Father-Son Bidding Rules to Change

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AFL Announces ARC Protocol Changes and Draft Bidding Reforms

The AFL has announced changes to the operation of the Auskick Review Centre (ARC) following two controversial incidents during Round 7 matches on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Separately, the league is preparing to alter bidding rules for father-son and academy selections ahead of the November draft.

ARC Protocol Changes

AFL executive general manager of football performance Greg Swann announced on Monday that the ARC will no longer have the authority to stop play after a score review. Under the updated protocol, the ARC will only conduct goal reviews when requested by the goal umpire.

"There's a balance between getting it right and affecting the fabric, or the flow, of the game."
— Greg Swann

Swann stated that the change was made to balance accuracy with the flow of the game.

Incident 1: St Kilda vs West Coast (Docklands Stadium)

  • St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall took a mark on the goal line.
  • The ARC did not initiate a review immediately; play continued for 55 seconds before the ARC intervened and halted the game.
  • Swann stated that the review process took too long and disrupted the game. The final decision was correct.

Incident 2: GWS Giants vs North Melbourne (Manuka Oval)

  • Late in the fourth quarter, GWS forward Xavier O'Halloran was awarded a goal.
  • Replays indicated that North Melbourne player Griffin Logue's fingers made contact with the ball prior to it crossing the line.
  • No formal review was conducted. Swann acknowledged that the decision was incorrect, stating: "We've had another review of that today — you can see that it was touched, so that one was incorrect."

Broader Umpiring Context

Swann noted that most club feedback on officiating this season has been positive, attributing improvements to rule changes, including the "last touch" rule, which he said reduces congestion and game stoppages.

Separately, Swann defended a 50-metre penalty imposed on Richmond's Ben Miller during the club's Anzac Eve loss to Melbourne. Swann stated the umpire's decision was correct, citing the rule requiring a player to stand the mark. Former player and commentator Garry Lyon criticized Swann's stance on Fox Footy's AFL 360, describing it as "rubbish." Lyon argued that Miller was required to track Melbourne captain Max Gawn. Melbourne coach Steven King acknowledged inconsistency in holding-the-ball calls but said umpires face a difficult task.

Father-Son and Academy Bidding Changes

Swann also announced imminent changes to bidding rules for father-son and academy selections, set to affect the 2025 national draft.

Key Details

  • Clubs matching bids on top father-son or academy players will be limited to using two first-round picks to meet the Draft Value Index points.
  • The changes are expected to impact Port Adelaide (Dougie Cochrane), Carlton (Cody Walker), and Essendon (Koby Bewick).
  • An announcement is expected within days or early next week.
  • Some clubs have expressed frustration over the short notice, as the change arrives less than seven months before November's draft.