RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick is 'all for' a stricter interpretation of the deliberate rushed behind rule after a controversial decision went the Tigers' way against Fremantle on Saturday night.
With Tiger Ben Griffiths bearing down on him, Docker Lee Spurr soccered the ball through his own goals from about 15m out, but was pinged by umpire Ray Chamberlain.
The controversial decision came just days after AFL football operations boss Mark Evans flagged interpretations of the rule could be tightened in 2017.
"We saw the memo during the week and we thought there might be a few (called)," Hardwick said.
"We were watching the game last night and thought there might be a couple. I'm all for it, I think it keeps the game alive.
"I think the deliberate out of bounds has been fantastic for the game. It's probably one of those ones that is going to take a bit of getting used to, but I think the overriding concept is very good."
The decision meant Griffiths got a free kick from point-blank range, gifting the Tigers a third straight major and an early break on the scoreboard.
"I don't mind it, but ask me when the shoe was on the other foot and it might be a little bit different," Hardwick said.
Griffiths gets a free: Ben Griffiths kicks a goal after Leigh Spurr is pinned for a deliberate rush behind
The win was the Tigers' second in a row, and came after their last-gasp upset triumph over Sydney in round eight.
"We spoke about it during the week, the win was terrific last week but it was about what the players wanted to do with it," Hardwick said.
"It could either be a great win and they don't capitalise on it or they continue to work at their game and get the result that was required this week.
"It's really important to back it up and gain some momentum."
Amid the grim conditions at Domain Stadium on Saturday night, skipper Trent Cotchin made a glittering return and Hardwick could not be happier.
Cotchin, back in the side after a two-week injury layoff, gathered a career-high 39 disposals in his side's 38-point triumph.
Despite donning a helmet to protect the cheekbone he fractured in round six, Cotchin attacked the exchanges fearlessly in a best-on-ground performance to win 18 contested possessions and 10 clearances.
The rain fell sideways at times on a wet and wild Perth night, and Hardwick paid tribute to the way his skipper weathered the storm.
"He was keen to play last week but the surgeon put a full stop on that pretty quickly," Hardwick said.
"He had 18 contested possessions and puts his head in the hole, which is exactly what we want from our skipper.
"His season has gone from strength to strength and we look forward to his continued good form. He works incredibly hard."
Cotchin's performance continued a stellar season, in which he is averaging 30 disposals across his seven appearances.
He received fantastic support from Dustin Martin (39 possessions) and Shaun Grigg (24 possessions) while Shane Edwards, Taylor Hunt and Anthony Miles all found the footy 22 times.
