MATTHEW RICHARDSON’S TOP 10: The rules ruining the AFL and Sav Rocca must be on AFL Hall of Fame list

1. I don’t like our game changing the rules all the time which changed the fabric of the game.

I’m talking about the stand and 6-6-6 rule. Both were brought in to increase scoring but the opposite has happened. From five years before the 6-6-6 rule to five years after the average score is down five points. From three years before to three years after the stand rule came in scoring is down 3.1 points. Let’s leave the game alone for a while and stop tinkering.

2. But having said that the rule I would alter is changing the 50-metre penalty to 25 metres.

It’s far too severe for very minor indiscretions. Recently it has ruined a couple of tight games at the end when it mattered most.

3. Even if you are not a Tigers fan do yourself a favour and go online and check out the Dustin Martin documentary Don’t Argue.

What a big game player he was. Congratulations to the Richmond FC digital team that produced it in house. What about his opening goal in front of 92,000 in his 300th? Just superb.

4. The AFL Hall of Fame is the best night on the AFL calendar because of the back stories revealed about the new inductees.

There were six new stories this year with Jason Dunstall rightly being elevated to legend status. One of the best stories was that of Sturt and St Marys star Michael ‘Flash’ Graham. When asked where he got his speed from? He replied, “from chasing rabbits in the paddocks of Penola” in country South Australia. How good is that!

5. Sav Rocca must be in the AFL Hall of fame.

He is one of four of the top 20 goalkickers not already in. The other three Jack Reiwoldt, Buddy Franklin and Tom Hawkins will be automatic inclusions when eligible. Sav has to be inducted in my opinion.

6. What a comeback win by Collingwood over North Melbourne last Sunday.

They did this in front of North’s 1999 premiership stars and former coach Dennis Pagan at Marvel Stadium for a 25-year flag reunion. One of Pagan’s favourite sayings was “you can’t buy a jar of confidence down Puckle Street”. That was exactly what the Kangaroos needed in the last 45 minutes of that game. The confidence to close it out. The were 54 points up with a half to go and somehow managed to lose – it was heartbreaking.

7. In this column two weeks ago I wrote the Hawks would make the finals in 2025 and were a sneaky chance this year.

I think I was wrong. Why not this year. On current form they will.

8. Surely in light of the Christian Petracca injury it is time for our AFL venues to have X-Ray facilities on site.

In the USA all 32 NFL teams have it. The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals even have MRI machines. The players are carted straight off, have the X-ray and immediately have a clearer picture of what injury has occurred. I’m sure if Petracca had that X-ray and the four broken ribs were seen clearly he would not have come back on field. It would be costly but it’s worth investigating.

9. An Amartey Party at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

A personal best nine goals for the Swans forward. It’s hard to find old school full forwards but the Swans have found one in Joel.

10. At home it’s been hard rubbish collection week with our local council.

Love it. It’s a perfect chance to sneak a few items out of the house from under the girls’ noses and reduce the clutter. It’s astounding the stuff people will take from your nature strip before the council comes to collect. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.