BRISBANE Lions coach Justin Leppitsch is happy for the AFL to crack down on deliberate rushed behinds as long as clubs "get the memo" after Pearce Hanley was penalised in Sunday's clash against Melbourne.
Both Leppitsch and Demons coach Paul Roos were critical of the decision, which saw Hanley step over the goal line after he was corralled by opponent Nathan Jones and left under pressure with no option.
Both coaches said it was obvious the rule had been tightened ahead of round nine, with Fremantle defender Lee Spurr penalised on Saturday night when he soccered the ball through from 15m out.
"There seems to be another rule in overnight, I didn't get that memo," Leppitsch said on Sunday after the Lions' 63-point loss.
"It's one thing when you watch Friday night football as a coach, it should really ring in your ears: 'the umpires are calling this one this week'.
"Obviously in the past that wasn't paid … I'm happy with the adjudication as long as we're consistent with it.
"We'd like a bit of a heads-up beforehand but that's fine if that's the way it's going."
Roos was also critical of the free kick paid against Hanley and said the AFL should not change interpretations mid-season.
"Maybe I missed the memo," he said.
"I thought we were going to look at it at the end of the year ... I was confused.
"I thought they were really stiff. I don't like it.
"I don't think you can make changes like that in the season. Maybe if it's obvious."
Despite his team's 63-point loss, Leppitsch said the Lions had something to work with after improving on their listless loss to Collingwood in round eight.
The most frustrating element of the loss was the third quarter, which saw the Lions get on top in general play but kick just 1.5.
"If you don't reward yourself for your good work it's frustrating and borderline demoralising for the team," the coach said.
"We at least didn't let that affect our performance for the rest of the game, which in the past things like that have.
"I thought we were willing today… at least it's a starting point."
Leppitsch praised his improved midfielders, led by Daniel Rich (25 possessions and seven inside 50s) and Dayne Zorko (22 and six clearances).
He said Rhys Mathieson could be pleased with his debut, which was noteworthy for a number of free kicks paid to the 19-year-old for high contact.
"Rhys was pretty good. He's another young guy who's got to learn the AFL running of the game," Leppitsch said.
"He's a good contested player and he puts his head over the ball, we knew he'd do that.
"He at least achieved that out of the day."
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