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AFL could change MRP challenge system

Published by
Stephen Marson

The AFL are currently discussing whether to make a change to the Match Review Panel's challenge system, according to Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

Hosting the new-look version of The Footy Show on Thursday night, McGuire said the AFL may allow players to challenge a suspension and not risk an extra week should they fail in their bid to successfully appeal the MRP's original decision.

McGuire said the AFL was looking into making the change, although it wouldn't apply for every single suspension.

“The AFL is looking into the Match Review Panel’s treatment of incidents that happen in the context of play,” McGuire said on The Footy Show.

“Not when you punch somebody, not if you kick somebody, not if you elbow somebody, not if you do something outside the spirit of the game.

“But the AFL also believes that somebody like Shane Mumford should be able to go to the tribunal without having to be penalised an extra week if the tribunal finds him guilty.”

Giants ruckman Shane Mumford was cited for this incident involving Melbourne's Max Gawn on Saturday, which resulted in Mumford being handed a one-match suspension.

Mumford said he would be a fan of the new system should the AFL allow it, and suggested he would have challenged the AFL's decision had the rule been in place.

“It’s obviously not worth the risk of getting the two weeks if you do fight it,” Mumford said.

“We weighed up the options and it really wasn’t worth the risk for us.”

Published by
Stephen Marson