After the AFL changed the Match Review Panel to a single Match Review Officer in Michael Christian in late 2017, many expected a more clear and concise adjudication system in 2018.
However, these decisions caused real controversy among the public this season.
Here are some of the incidents that had the whole footy world talking!
10. Charlie Curnow, Ed Curnow and Tom Hawkins
The AFL's policy on umpire contact was flipped on its head this season after Tom Hawkins received a one game suspension for intentional contact with an umpire.
What should be the penalty for Tom Hawkins making contact with the umpire?
The #ArmchairExperts @camluke @Adamcooney17 will discuss postgame. #AFLCatsGiants pic.twitter.com/447IxcFElF
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 4, 2018
The following week, two other incidents of umpire contact were assessed by the MRO, with this incident earning Ed Curnow a one week ban, before being turned over by the tribunal.
Is Ed Curnow likely to face a sanction for touching the umpire? #AFLBluesDons pic.twitter.com/LuUDTH3Vd0
— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) May 12, 2018
Brother Charlie also escaped a ban after this incident, causing confusion to rein across the football world.
