Michael Christian
๐ค SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
And players, I mean, when you think about the fact that there's around 26,000 tackles a year, to have last year only four suspensions is quite remarkable.
And as I say, what it means is that, and I think people watching the game will see that
player behaviour has changed with respect to tackling.
Players are exercising a duty of care, which I think is a real positive for the game.
And the players are incredible, really, in terms of the way they can adjust to these changes.
And, you know, 15 years ago or even 10 years ago, it seemed impossible.
acceptable to bump someone shoulder to head and, hey, that was a great bump and play on, well done sort of thing.
But I think now people watching the game, certainly media, the football world generally, will see a shoulder to head bump
and immediately think he's in trouble.
And I think, you know, when there's a clear election to bump and there's shoulder-to-head contact, I think it's universally now accepted that it's not allowed in the game and people recognise it instantly.
It's been a little different, but that change in the guidelines that you've just outlined has made it a lot easier.
There's been seven suspensions this year.
There was only a couple last year.
A couple last year that were suspended, but obviously there were a number of fines last year, but seven suspensions this year and one was challenged.
Will Hayward challenged his gut punch last year.
I think it was on George Wardlaw.
And he went to the tribunal and the week's suspension was upheld.
So, yeah, I think I've seen, certainly from my perspective, and I'm not sure you obviously watch a lot of football, but we haven't seen it as much.
And it seems to be working.