Overview

• Damien Hardwick will raise on-field protection measures for Matt Rowell at his next AFL meeting, arguing umpires share responsibility for avoiding collisions.
• Rowell has been fined four times under the midseason careless umpire-contact policy and faces automatic tribunal referral if he incurs another sanction.
• The 24-year-old insists he will not alter his aggressive positioning near umpires despite repeated warnings and potential penalties.
• Ex-umpire Ray Chamberlain warned Rowell’s approach is risky and urged officials to adjust their positioning to better shield players.
• Collingwood coach Craig McRae previously sought similar protections for Nick Daicos, highlighting leaguewide concerns over on-field safety.