Does anybody but me think that the umpires were a little too quick to pull the book out in last night's game?

I enjoyed watching it too, the intensity was very high and thats not something that you see in todays football that often (because of all the new rules) and so clubs are too afraid to go into games very rough and with a high intensity. Geelong and hawthorn are examples of teams that arent afraid to put up a fight, they put their bodies on the line and go hard at the ball - thats why the umpires were quick to pull out the report book. Usually the intensity of the match reflects this.

Couldn't believe it in either direction

Mackie - was being grappled out of the play and slapped (fair dinkum slapped) back at the guy grabbing him and got him in the tum tum. FFS I would've spent my entire career in the tribunal if that's gonna be the standard!

Hodge - definite free kick because he kept going eve when he knew he wasn't going to get it and interfered. Loved the umps comment "I know you were going for the ball but ....(I'm booking you anyway??? What the???)

Max Rooke - a bit of a should to shoulder joust about 5 yards off the ball. Could be deemed a shepherd but may have been a bit far away from play but soft as ..

Who was the other one - that was just as "memorable"

"A bit" quick? Crazy - that's what I'd call it. I noticed Mooney and Hodge chatting just after Hodge's report. It looked for all the world like Mooney said "They gotta be f'in jokin' mate" ... he has a career ahead of him in analysis if that was his judgement.

Mackie's was definetly reportable but I don't think Max Rooke's was.

Hodge is gone for 3+ weeks I think but I cant really remember the other one.

Whoever the guy was that kneed selwood in the head should be gone for 4 weeks but i dont think he was even reported

but he will get picked up by the match review panel.

so no, i dont think they were too quick... and even if it wasnt a reportable offence, they will get off at the tribunal. its just a quick judgement by the umpires and they are bound to make mistakes sometimes - they are human.

Not only were they 2 quick to pull the book out how about some of the holding the ball decisions in the first qtr they were ridiculous most of them had no time to get rid of it what so ever. I for one hope they wont be like that all season. Whats the reward for diving in and getting the ball for your team mates these days, just let the opponent pick it up instead it seems.

Totally AGREE, i don't think any of the incidents warranted a report,perhaps the umps were a tad over keen for the first rnd. even friday nights game where cade simpson was reported was a joke.and i doubt any of the reports actually make it to the tribuanal.

looks like the umps are trying to make a statement early but id think it'll settle down next week.

Yeah! I couldn't understand it either.

But then again, when ever the Hawks are playing with umpire No "3" never expect too much!!!

The knee to head of Sellwood was a low act.

The others were just run of the mill stuff.

Steve Johnson is the one to be worrying.

i went to this game ,it was awsome but the umpiring decisions were inconsistant for both teams. the umpires must have some idea what they are doing with the decisions as they are wrecking the game and what its all about, btw GOO HAWKSS

No, Hodge will not get 3 weeks.. He will be let off.

we should get real umpires not these too-too wearing *****'s