Brett Ratten Media Conference
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BRETT Ratten has thrown his support behind both new rules introduced for the 2009 season.

The AFL Commission decided last week to bring in the rushed behind rule and a post-possession tackling penalty after trying the rules in the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge series.

The actual wording of the laws introduced is:

a) A free kick can now be awarded for deliberate rushed behinds -- the benefit of the doubt will be given to the defender;

b) Umpires to award a 50 metre penalty against players who tackle, hold or make high contact against an opponent after the opponent has disposed of the football, for the purpose of preventing them from taking part in the next contest.


The Carlton coach said the fact that teams had more players in defence made the rushed behind rule a good one.

"The opposition have got more numbers [in the defensive 50m arc] and to penalise them for a deliberate point is good because they have got the extra numbers and they need to work through at getting the ball out," Ratten said.

"So I think it is a pretty fair rule."

He said the second rule was also a winner.

"It is a pretty good rule to ensure that players aren't hanging on to players and taking them to ground as well," Ratten said.

"I think the AFL's done a good job with it."