The AFL will today send a memo to clubs stating Tom De Koning’s action in a centre bounce that injured Rhys Stanley is not allowed.
It can be revealed the league will look to clarify the incident, mindful of an emerging trend that is seeing some ruckmen employ a no-jump, knee-up technique in the centre square.
Carlton’s De Koning clattered into Stanley on Thursday night in a collision that saw the Geelong big man substituted with rib damage and in doubt for this weekend.
No free kick was paid on the night, prompting the Cats to seek clarity from the league on the rules.
De Koning was cited and fined by match review officer Michael Christian for kneeing in an action that was assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and body contact.
But the Blues last night had that sanction overturned after presenting a written submission arguing their man was engaged in a “football action” with his eyes on the ball.
However, the league will look to provide clarity this afternoon.
Under the rules for ruck contests, a player should be penalised when they - among other things - make prohibited contact with an opposition ruck or engage in rough conduct against an opposition ruck.