AFL legend Malcolm Blight has responded to Kane Cornes’ criticism of several rules brought in by former AFL football boss Stephen Hocking.
Cornes penned his thoughts in The Age where he took aim at the 6-6-6, stand and kick-in rules among other things.
The Port Adelaide great doesn’t think Hocking’s changes have helped scoring and play style as first intended, while adding that the 6-6-6 rule in particular has stymied how coaches can have their effect on the game.
Blight, who helped create the 6-6-6 rule, couldn’t disagree more, saying that the game would be “stuffed more than it is now” without it.
He labelled Cornes’ comments as garbage as he feels both the stand and 6-6-6 rules have freed up congestion as well as producing better football.
He discussed the comments on SEN Sportsday SA with his co-host David Wildy.
Blight: “I only read a quick headline today as I was coming in.
“I think it was Kane Cornes that said the rules they’ve done – Stephen Hocking’s rules - haven’t worked.
“I just think now he said that the 6-6-6 rule hasn't helped scoring.
“Kane, that’s crap, that is absolute garbage. If it wasn’t for 6-6-6, this game would be stuffed more than what it is now.”
Wildy: “It’d be more congested. I think it has helped.
“I'll give you an example in the Melbourne v Bulldogs Grand Final, Melbourne kicked three goals in 90 seconds, and it was just taken out of the centre.”
Blight: “I mean, I was part of the 6-6-6 rule (creation), but I'm not being protective of it, I’d say it (if it was failing).”
Wildy: “The stand rule has helped too.”
Blight: “It has, and I don’t like it. But to say that 6-6-6 (hasn’t worked) … you can throw all the other things that you reckon haven't worked, Kane.
“But for goodness sake, that is the only thing that saves our game now to get less injuries, less congestion and hopefully, better-looking football.”
