AFL score review system changes after controversial ARC interventions in 2026 season
Consensus Summary
The AFL has revised its score review policy following controversial ARC interventions during the 2026 season, particularly after a 60-second delay in St Kilda’s match at Docklands, where Rowan Marshall’s mark was reviewed and awarded as a goal. AFL executive Greg Swann acknowledged the process took too long and announced the ARC will no longer intervene in score reviews unless the goal umpire requests it, though goal reviews and last disposal decisions remain subject to review under strict timing constraints. The changes reflect broader skepticism about video review systems in sports, with coaches like Alastair Clarkson and Andrew McQualter advocating for clearer criteria to avoid disrupting gameplay. Research indicates AFL umpires maintain a 78% accuracy rate, but close calls and delays have eroded fan confidence, as seen in the English Premier League where 81% of surveyed fans prefer games without VAR. The policy shift also follows incidents like GWS’ Xavier O’Halloran’s reviewed goal, which took 85 seconds to confirm, and the incorrect non-touch call against Griffin Logue, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing technology with the flow of the game.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The AFL changed its score review policy after St Kilda’s match at Docklands on 2026-04-27, where Rowan Marshall’s mark was reviewed 60 seconds after play continued, leading to a goal being awarded.
- AFL executive general manager of football operations Greg Swann stated the ARC review process took 'way too long' (55 seconds) and that the ARC will no longer intervene in score reviews unless the goal umpire requests it.
- The ARC still conducts goal reviews but will not intervene in scores unless the goal umpire asks for a review, as per the new policy announced by Swann.
- GWS’ Xavier O’Halloran’s goal was reviewed in the Manuka Oval match, with 85 seconds of delay before the ball was bounced, but the goal was ultimately upheld.
- The AFL’s score review system has evolved since its introduction 15 years ago, with changes often made mid-season in response to specific incidents, such as Adelaide’s finals miss in 2023.
- Research from Deakin University showed AFL umpires had a 78% accuracy rate in decision-making based on 2016 data, with similar rates observed in 2000.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The concept of 'correct' in football was tested on two prominent occasions during the weekend, with both St Kilda and GWS matches involving score reviews.
- North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson and GWS coach Adam Kingsley criticized the video review system, with Clarkson stating he preferred no technology and leaving decisions to umpires.
- West Coast coach Andrew McQualter argued that video review should only be used for 'clear-cut' decisions, not marginal calls.
- The BBC reported 13 errors made by the video assistant referee (VAR) in the first half of the 2025-26 English Premier League season, impacting fan confidence in the system.
- A March survey of 202 EPL fans showed 81% preferred watching games without VAR.
- The AFL’s score review system was initially introduced to correct 'obvious scoring errors' in 2019, according to then-AFL football operations boss Stephen Hocking.
- The ARC can still intervene in last disposal decisions, provided it happens within 15 seconds for the boundary umpire to throw the ball back in.
- The AFL confirmed the goal umpire initially called Rowan Marshall’s mark a behind before the ARC intervened and instructed a replay, awarding the goal.
- Greg Swann acknowledged the Griffin Logue non-touch call was incorrect, citing 'insufficient evidence' to overturn it in North Melbourne’s loss to GWS.
- Damian Hardwick, coach of the Suns, criticized the 'stand' rule in his post-game press conference, calling for 'common sense' to prevail, but Swann stated no changes would be made to the rule.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC reports 60 seconds of delay in St Kilda’s match, while NEWSCOMAU reports 55 seconds for the same incident.
- ABC states the ARC will not intervene in scores unless the goal umpire asks for a review, while NEWSCOMAU does not mention this specific condition for last disposal decisions, only score reviews.
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