RICHO’S TOP 10: AFL needs to scrap the standing on mark rule as the defending player looks ridiculous

1. It’s OK to admit when you get something wrong.

We all make mistakes right. Well, it’s time the AFL admit the standing on the mark rule isn’t Australian Rules Football and get rid of it. It’s diabolical in my opinion and from what I can tell a large percentage of supporters agree. The game is supposed to be 18 against 18. With the stand rule it is 18 against 17. You should be able to defend while standing the mark. It’s a ridiculous look for the game when a player is disposing of the ball basically standing next to the frozen man on mark. The AFL need to stand and deliver on this one — excuse the pun.

2. What a disappointing end to the year for the Dogs.

They finished on 14 wins, which gets you into the finals every year but this one. Their points percentage was also the highest of any team to miss the finals. That tells the story. They beat up on the teams below them with big wins, enjoying seven victories of more than 70 points but only two wins against top eight opposition was the issue. I think they will look to find another tall defender in the off-season to help James O’Donnell and Rory Lobb. They could try to pinch Jake Lever from Melbourne. He is a great organiser down back

3. You have to tip your hat to Fremantle.

Not many pundits gave them a chance to come to Marvel and beat the Dogs. They had lost both their last two games there by 61 and 67 points respectively. But after a slow start they completely shut down the Dogs with a tough, gritty win. I think coach Justin Longmuir set the tone to his group in the way he fronted the press leading into the game. He was confident and this would have been infectious for his team. A home elimination final now awaits against the Suns at a packed Optus Stadium. This September could be a great fairytale ending for Nat Fyfe. As Basil once said, “here come Fremantle”.

4. I say it all the time, we need personalities in the game.

Patrick “the prancing pony” Voss is what the game needs. This dude is the ultimate cult figure. Freo fans love him and he can annoy opponents and opposition fans. But deep down you want him on your team. He has added another dimension to the Freo forward mix. As the third tall he is a tough match-up. I am looking forward to watching him in the finals. Hopefully he kicks a few goals because his celebrations bring a smile to your face. Talk about adrenaline running through your body. I don’t even think the pony knows what’s going to happen. He is great for footy and the finals.

5. Talking of cult figures. I’ve got to give a big shout out to the Tiger premiership star and cult figure Kamdyn McIntosh.

The boy from Pinjarra, Western Australia, played his last game against the Cats last Saturday. When you leave this game and you can look in the mirror and say you squeezed every drop out of your abilities then you retire happy. Not many can actually say that, including myself. Well Kamdyn can. Two premierships, 200 games and the respect from all his teammates and the Tiger army. A crowd favourite until the end. Bravo.

6. While on the Tigers they dropped away a little in the last month of the year but at the end of it all the year is a tick.

A lot of experts had them not winning a game. Well, they won five and unearthed some bona fide talent. With two of the top three picks in the draft again this year they are well ahead of expectations. Be patient Tiger fans success may be closer than you thought.

7. This is going to be fun tonight.

The Four’N Twenty EJ Whitten Legends Game is back at Marvel Stadium on Channel Seven. I’m looking forward to a bit of fun in the commentary box with BT, Andy Maher, Billy Brownless and the president of the boundary riders association in the legendary Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico. There will be plenty of lowlights in the game and “torn hammies”, but most importantly it will feature past legends having fun for a great cause — prostate cancer research. Keep an eye out for Crows legend Andrew McLeod. He is seriously fitter than when he played. What a star.

8. We have pumped up some ageing stars in this column in 2025.

We love a veteran and this week it’s the finest wine of all in Scott Pendlebury. His ability to still change the course of a game at age 37 is extraordinary. He did it again to save Collingwood’s top-four chances last Friday. His poise and class in the back half in the last quarter was sublime. He won the Pies the game. He’ll be 38 next season. What an ultimate professional he is. He prepares his body as well as anyone in the history of the game and deserves every accolade he gets.

9. Wouldn’t this be fun.

Jezza Cameron kicking his 100th goal in a grand final. It’s plausible with him needing 17 goals with three or four games left. I’m not sure the AFL would be keen on it though. Imagine the scenes. People running on to the ground in the last quarter and the time it would take to get everyone back off the ground. A player kicking their 100th goal in a grand final has happened just twice before, John Coleman in 1949 and Doug Wade in 1974. This was pre-crowd ground invasion times though. I’m all for it if Jezza gets it done on the last Saturday in September.

10. Callum Ah-Chee was the breakout player of the 2024 finals series.

He showed how a player can really enhance their reputation in September. Some players are made for it. Think back through the years as almost every year there is a breakout performer. My tip this September is big Shannon Neale from the Cats. He’s a beast. 200cm and 110kg. He’s a beautiful mover for his size with has great dukes in the marking contest. Most importantly he loves the moment and wants the ball in his hands. He converts most times he gets a shot at goal. If he has a good final series the Cats can do it again. What a club.