AFL restores shot clock for full quarters

The controversial "play-on" call that denied Shaun Higgins a potential goal last Saturday night has prompted an AFL backflip

Shaun Higgins of the Kangaroos

The AFL shot clock will be shown for entire matches after the Shaun Higgins controversy. (AAP)

The controversial "play-on" call that sparked a major serve from Leigh Matthews has prompted an AFL backflip.

A year after the shot clock was taken off the scoreboard for the last two minutes of each quarter, it will be shown again for the whole match.

North Melbourne star Shaun Higgins was having a set shot at goal late in the third quarter of Saturday night's match against the Western Bulldogs when play on was called.

Jake Stringer quickly mowed Higgins down in a tackle, denying him the scoring chance.

The Western Bulldogs won by one point.

Matthews said the scenario was deplorable and stupid, while Higgins said he simply did not hear the umpire call play on.

The issue was raised at Wednesday's annual get together of senior coaches with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and football operations manager Simon Lethlean.

The AFL said it reverted to showing the shot clock for the whole match to make it as clear and consistent as possible for players and umpires.

In a twist of fate, North were also responsible for the AFL's original decision to take the shot clock off the scoreboard for the last two minutes.

Kangaroos forward Mason Wood kept an eye on the clock last season as he successfully iced the end of a tight match.

If players are deemed to be deliberately running down the clock, umpires will have the power to call play on.


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Source: AAP


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