Rules Max Gawn: Great Ruckman or Serial Infringer?

[RCAB]

Is Gawn protected by reputation?

Max Gawn

11

Max Gawn

Age

33

Ht

209cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

7.4

3star

HB

6.7

4star

CL

2.8

4star

HO

35.3

5star

D

18.5

4star

K

11.5

4star

HB

7.0

4star

CL

3.5

4star

HO

29.2

5star

D

8.4

3star

K

3.6

2star

HB

4.8

4star

CL

1.0

3star

HO

15.6

5star

has long been considered one of the best ruckmen of the modern era but are we overlooking just how often he bends (or outright breaks) the rules to gain that reputation?

Watch any game closely and you’ll see the same patterns...

Around-the-ground throw-ups: Gawn is frequently seen pulling his opponent’s jumper, something that would earn a free kick at any other level.

Body holds at stoppages: He often locks onto his opponent's arm, impeding them before the ball is in play.

Centre bounces: Instead of contesting the ball in the air, Gawn frequently extends both arms or one arm to block, stopping his opponent’s jump entirely.


I know that all rucks try to push the envelope, but Gawn’s infringements have become so routine that it feels like 50% of his ruck contests would be frees if umpires bothered to call them.

Take someone like Tristan Xerri

38

Tristan Xerri

Age

26

Ht

202cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

5.5

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

2.5

2star

CL

1.0

3star

HO

2.5

5star

D

5.5

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

2.5

2star

CL

1.0

3star

HO

2.5

5star

D

5.5

2star

K

3.0

1star

HB

2.5

3star

CL

1.0

3star

HO

2.5

5star

... arguably the best tap ruckman in the league this season. You won’t see him pulling jumpers or blocking jumps. He just competes.

If we removed the rule-bending from Gawn’s game, would he even be top 5 right now?

 

[Milanista28]

Geez, the state of that!

 

[captain blood 17]

 

[Bianconeri]

I think most gun players are protected/given the benefit of the doubt by the umps.

Still you have got to be a gun to get into that position.

 

[Happy_Neale]

Saltier than the Black Sea

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Why does this have to be 'or'. Why cant both be true?

 

[Dez!]

He literally gets mauled weekly and still dominates, this is hilariously stupid.

 

[markm106]

He literally gets mauled weekly and still dominates, this is hilariously stupid.

Yep. Constantly smashed in marking contests and off the ball by some. He’s a warrior.

 

[Cyclops]

Does he still burn blokes with his ciggie at the throw ins? Hides a pack in his beard I'm sure of it.

Players seem to be allowed to grapple more in ruck contests. What I've really noticed is the shorter ruck seems to be allowed to scrag more than the bigger one.

For us Cox seems to be held all the time. I havent noticed Gawn being that transgressive.

 

[Jim Prideaux]

I think most gun players are protected/given the benefit of the doubt by the umps.

Still you have got to be a gun to get into that position.

Not even an AFL specific thing. Influential players in Rugby Union certainly have, well, influence.

The issue I. My opinion is the familiarisation of players with umpires/refs.

To be clear, I have no opinion on Gawn, gun player, don’t watch him closely enough often enough to comment on what he does or doesn’t do regarding infringements

 

[MF]

I think he gets away with more than many other rucks do due to his reputation (same way many gun players get looked after) but he'd still be the best at it IMO

 

[voorhees]

The best going around, has been for years now

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Nick Watson: Great Forward or Serial Ducker?

 

[FrustratedTiger]

Being able get away with holding is part of the craft. The good rucks manage it well and Gawn is definitely one of the best. It does infuriate though that the commentators plain ignore what is clear to see. It's their job to call that out if it's there

 

[Dez!]

I think he gets away with more than many other rucks do due to his reputation (same way many gun players get looked after) but he'd still be the best at it IMO

He doesn't get away with s*** , he's constantly held, grabbed and belted for f*** all reward.

 

[Lavender Bushranger]

Is Gawn protected by reputation?

Max Gawn has long been considered one of the best ruckmen of the modern era but are we overlooking just how often he bends (or outright breaks) the rules to gain that reputation?

Watch any game closely and you’ll see the same patterns...

Around-the-ground throw-ups: Gawn is frequently seen pulling his opponent’s jumper, something that would earn a free kick at any other level.

Body holds at stoppages: He often locks onto his opponent's arm, impeding them before the ball is in play.

Centre bounces: Instead of contesting the ball in the air, Gawn frequently extends both arms or one arm to block, stopping his opponent’s jump entirely.


I know that all rucks try to push the envelope, but Gawn’s infringements have become so routine that it feels like 50% of his ruck contests would be frees if umpires bothered to call them.

Take someone like Tristan Xerri... arguably the best tap ruckman in the league this season. You won’t see him pulling jumpers or blocking jumps. He just competes.

If we removed the rule-bending from Gawn’s game, would he even be top 5 right now?

Two things..... firstly Xerri is an absolute monster. Let's get that out of the way. Genuine superstar of the comp.

Secondly, I know the anguish of seeing something that others don't, and the pain it causes when others don't or won't acknowledge it.

So brother, I feel your pain. I haven't noticed this with Gawn, but out of respect I'm going to watch for it from now on.

 

[Andyy]

What utter BS is this.

All time great for sure. Right up there.

 

[Plugger35]

 

[RCAB]

Do people actually watch the games, or they only interested in their Supercoach captain?

Obviously if the umpires were adjudicating Gawn fairly, there would go his Supercoach value.

This is just four instances at centre bounces last week...












These are blocks which Under Law 18.4.3(c) - blocks an opposition Ruck - that must be paid as a free kick.


Then there's the hold of the jumper, which there are way more of than these centre bounce blocks by Max.

Here's one:




There are more, but because of camera position and grainy footage, I can't post clear screenshots. But there was at least half a dozen jumper holds in the ruck by Max last weekend against the Lions which I saw, any I didn't even watch the whole game.

 

[catstorm]

He doesn't get away with s*** , he's constantly held, grabbed and belted for f*** all reward.

He gets away with plenty, the same way Todd Goldstein used to. The ruck considered the best in the league always gets away with shit, Always have always will.

 

[ibd77]

He umpires his own games sometimes. He just looks at the umps, they blow the whistle and then give him the ball.

 

[RCAB]

He umpires his own games sometimes. He just looks at the umps, they blow the whistle and then give him the ball.

You've noticed this too.

 

[Duckimus Prime]

Do people actually watch the games, or they only interested in their Supercoach captain?

Obviously if the umpires were adjudicating Gawn fairly, there would go his Supercoach value.

This is just four instances at centre bounces last week...




View attachment 2321938

View attachment 2321939

View attachment 2321940

View attachment 2321942

These are blocks which Under Law 18.4.3(c) - blocks an opposition Ruck - that must be paid as a free kick.

None of those screenshots have enough information to tell whether Gawn should have a free paid against him. Simply because if he gets the ball in the ruck contest then none of those are illegal blocks.

 

[RCAB]

None of those screenshots have enough information to tell whether Gawn should have a free paid against him. Simply because if he gets the ball in the ruck contest then none of those are illegal blocks.

You can't block the opposition ruck from having a run or jump at the ball. That's a free kick.

These are the rules

18.4.3 – Free Kicks in Ruck Contests

A free kick will be paid against a player who:

(a) Is not the nominated ruck and contests the hit-out
(b) Unduly pushes or bumps an opposition ruck
(c) Blocks the opposition ruck
(d) Makes contact before the ball leaves the umpire’s hand
(e) Leaves the centre circle or enters attacking half early at centre bounce
(f) Hits the ball out on the full

There is NO rule that says:

“If you win the tap, you can block illegally and it doesn’t count.”



That idea is a misconception. Winning the tap does not legalize illegal conduct like blocking or holding before or during the contest.



Case Example: Gawn Using an Arm Bar

If Gawn:

Doesn’t jump, and

Extends his arm or body to prevent the opposition ruck from contesting the ball,
even if he gets the hit-out, it’s still a block under 18.4.3(c).


That’s the same as saying a full forward can push someone in the back as long as they mark the ball, clearly false.


I also noticed you didn't discount the jumper holds which he infringes more often in comparison.

 

[Duckimus Prime]

Extends his arm or body to prevent the opposition ruck from contesting the ball,
even if he gets the hit-out, it’s still a block under 18.4.3(c).

No it isn't.

That’s the same as saying a full forward can push someone in the back as long as they mark the ball, clearly false.

You're almost there with this one.

A forward can block an opponent from getting to the fall of the ball in a marking contest as long as they are also competing for the mark. If they're not competing for the mark, then you can't block an opponent from getting to the marking contest.

They made a similar tweak for ruckwork last year, allowing a ruckman to protect space with a straight arm as long as they're still contesting the ruck themselves.

Explained: All the new rule changes for the 2024 season

The AFL has confirmed rule changes ahead of the 2024 premiership season

www.afl.com.au

• Straight-arm blocks will be permitted in a ruck contest, provided the player contests the ball

They finally got rid of the Matthew Primus rule at the end of 2023.