Tom Waitley

Morning, James.

That's a valid point with Foote.

And I have asked Rob Kerr, who's the AFL Umpires Association boss, to come on for a chat.

He hasn't got back to me yet, but hopefully we can get him on today or tomorrow.

I said yesterday, James, on air, that I know Nick Foote personally.

and I really like Nick Foote, and I really trust Nick Foote.

I think he's a good man, and I think he's a hugely successful umpire as well.

He's umpired a grand final, 270 games.

You could argue he's in the best two or three umpires in the sport, not just in terms of decision-making, but also his manner with the players.

So I trust Nick Foote, but I also know people who know Zach Butters really well.

I've never met him personally myself, and I'm entirely inclined to think that Zach Butters believes he's telling the truth as well.

So...

I think there's a middle ground here.

There's a nuance where you don't have to be against either party.

You can actually support both parties if you're the AFL and reach a conclusion.

In the end, they've gone with the umpire's word over the two players' words.

And you're right.

There are similarities between the Collard case and the Butters case.

Absolutely there are.

The 2v1 component is interesting.