Northern Jets co-coach Darren Jackson said confusion reigned when Saturday’s preliminary final went into extra time as players listened while rules were read out over the loudspeaker.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jackson said he took full responsibility for not being certain of the extra time procedures but thought the umpires could’ve explained the procedures on the ground.
“I would’ve thought the umpires would go across and tell the players, not have the rules announced on a loudspeaker,” Jackson said.
“There’s no sour grapes, Coly deserved their win, I just felt it should’ve been handled better.”
Players and coaches weren’t aware of the detail on how ‘golden point’ comes into effect. If scores are tied at the end of the second extra time period, the game continues until the next score, after which the siren sounds. But there is no signal to indicate that game has transitioned to ‘next score wins’.
So after the 10-minute mark,. only the time-keepers are certain of the state of play.
Jackson also pointed out he wasn’t allowed on the ground at full-time to talk to his players with AFL regulations stating ‘At no stage before or during extra time are coaches permitted to address players.’
But it’s a grey area in the rules given both sides had playing coaches on the ground and the teams huddled together while waiting for the goal umpires to come together to confirm the scores before the game is restarted for extra time.
Jackson also heaped praise on the preparation of Robertson Oval for the match with the venue delivered in near-perfect condition despite the big wet.
He wished Coleambally and East Wagga-Kooringal all the best for next week’s grand final at the same venue.
Jackson said Coleambally deserved their win but added he and co-coach Sam Fisher couldn’t have been prouder of how far the Jets have come this season.
- AFL Riverina rules and regulations (page 26 for Drawn Finals):
