Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge shoots down Adelaide mentor Matthew Nicks over call for boundary throw-in change

The boundary throw-in needs to be protected at all costs according to Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who says he “disagrees totally” with a call from Adelaide rival Matthew Nicks to scrap it in favour of a last-touch rule. Coaches could again have a say in the game’s future as part of the reborn AFL Competition Committee, but Beveridge cast doubt on “how quickly” changes would be made when needed. Earlier this week, Crows coach Nicks declared he didn’t “understand” the insufficient intent rule that can deliver free kicks to teams at the umpire’s discretion and wanted the rule used in the SANFL brought in to the AFL. “No matter where … if you handball or kick the ball over the line, it’s a free kick to the opposition,” he said. “It takes another decision away from umpires.” Beveridge, however, was vehement in his opposition to that idea despite conceding changes were needed as boundary throw-ins draw criticism. “I disagree totally (with Nicks),” he said. “As far as the AFL charter goes and the critical things in our game which have stood the test of time, the boundary throw is just a key aspect of our game, it’s so important it’s protected. “I think it can be improved over the back end of the year and into next year. The umpires will work on how to improve the throw-ins. “But it needs to be protected. Hopefully, we continue on with that part of the game.” The AFL confirmed on Wednesday that the Competition Committee would be reinstated to help guide the league’s evolution, with input on key changes having been used previously to advise on things including rules. Beveridge said he’d “consider it” if asked to join but said the capacity to bring about actual change would need to be clear. “The thing about committees is how quickly can they turn around really importantly things that need to be delivered in project timelines and the season is one of those,” he said. “There are still opportunities to change when things are important enough to change them. “One of my questions would be, if they were considering anyone from our club, what is the mandate and what is the process look like to make key decision to benefit our game?”