Umpiring 2026 Umpiring trends

[ReturningHawk]

If we're going to have the players stand on the mark line statues, the umpires have to at least insist the kicker stays on their line. Marking player routinely jogs 2 metres laterally when they're getting back off the mark. May as well just make it no player on the mark, opposition stay outside 5.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

22-2-7

+94

 

[ReturningHawk]

22-2-7

+95

Is it not enough that you have an entire thread dedicated to this? People who want to engage in your "VIC-masons" theory about league-wide corruption will know where to find you.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Is it not enough that you have an entire thread dedicated to this? People who want to engage in your "VIC-masons" theory about league-wide corruption will know where to find you.

Welcome.

 

[ReturningHawk]

Welcome.

Waiting for your response to the dominance of SA teams over WA teams? Been almost 2 years since a WA team won a free kick count against the South Australians... just wondering why you don't post about it every week? It's another great opportunity to bore the pants off everyone.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Waiting for your response to the dominance of SA teams over WA teams? Been almost 2 years since a WA team won a free kick count against the South Australians... just wondering why you don't post about it every week? It's another great opportunity to bore the pants off everyone.

Its too small of a sample size silly.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

23-2-7 free kick count wins to Vic advantage.

+101 frees to Vics advantage.

#freekickvic

 

[hawkman]

22-2-7

+95

Adelaide were plus 5 not 4

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Adelaide were plus 5 not 4

Fair enough, will correct.

 

[ReturningHawk]

Adelaide were plus 5 not 4

How are SA sides going against WA sides? SA still bringing their own umpires?

 

[hawkman]

How are SA sides going against WA sides? SA still bringing their own umpires?

That is the real rivalry to see which one can complain the most

 

[2big sound]

How are SA sides going against WA sides? SA still bringing their own umpires?

I thought #freekickhawthorn would be best to keep their mouths shut.

 

[Rabish Binney]

I still cant figure out what constitutes holding the ball.

I thought a player to had dispose of it either by hand or foot legally

Seems that they let go so many that are blatantly HTB these days?

 

[Purple Suit]

I still cant figure out what constitutes holding the ball.

I thought a player to had dispose of it either by hand or foot legally

Seems that they let go so many that are blatantly HTB these days?

You have to have prior opportunity too otherwise it's play on / ball up.

It seems that if it is a secondary ball up then look out as umpires have a KPI to meet and will be letting it all slide or picking out a free kick. This seems to be how the big wigs judge the quality of games, rather than seeing fans lose their shit at bullshit decisions or the players not have a clue who got the free kick.

 

[Vindicater]

Seems to be a lot more throws this year allowed.

 

[hawkman]

Seems to be a lot more throws this year allowed.

You have to resist the urge to tap it on if it doesn't go far enough away while being tackled. Then they call a throw every time

 

[PenfoldsFan]

23-2-8

+89

1st Interstate team to win a free kick count on the road in 2026.
Thoughts and prayers with Vic football tonight on this monumentous occasion.

We, put our arms around all the Vicco neutrals crying about the Umpiring in tonights MD thread.

 

[flyinghi64]

I still cant figure out what constitutes holding the ball.

I thought a player to had dispose of it either by hand or foot legally

Seems that they let go so many that are blatantly HTB these days?

Have to of had prior op to dispose of the ball but the tackle itself has to also be a legal tackle.

But yes, like a lot of free kicks it is a bit chook lotto.

And the throws, OMG, the throws.
when they do manage to show the occasional replay of a blatant throw you often see an umpire right there as well.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

23-2-9

+80

2nd Interstate away free kick count win.

Funny how after 7 rounds of nothing theres been 2 in 3 days.

 

[Grockadoc]

Have to of had prior op to dispose of the ball but the tackle itself has to also be a legal tackle.

But yes, like a lot of free kicks it is a bit chook lotto.

And the throws, OMG, the throws.
when they do manage to show the occasional replay of a blatant throw you often see an umpire right there as well.

The glaring issue is they sent out a memo at the start of the year saying any form of taking the tackler on, such as bracing for the tackle, fending, trying to break through or shrugging the shoulder forfeits prior and will be HTB. They just don't apply it.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

24-2-9

+83

Port brave against the 27 representing Geelong.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

25-2-9

+86

 

[JoseMourinho]

25-2-9

+86

definitely a bit of vic bias too. carlton were literally getting more than a rub of the green.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

26-2-9 to Vics.

+91 to Vics.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

27-2-9 to Vics.

+98 frees to Vics.

Nick Foot has umpired 5-0 free kick count wins to Vics.

Gamble responsibly.