AFL icon proposes ‘workable’ send-off system

AFL icon Leigh Matthews has floated a send-off system that would remove players from the field if they were responsible for doing the same to an opposition player.

The issue has been flung firmly into the footy media spotlight after Tom Stewart’s sickening hit on Dion Prestia at the MCG on Saturday.

Stewart has been sent directly to the tribunal over the incident that saw Prestia unable to return to the field to complete the game.

Stewart, meanwhile, went on to star in Geelong’s crucial three-point victory, with Matthew Lloyd awarding him maximum votes in 3AW Football’s Player Of The Year award.

Speaking on 3AW, Matthews said criticism of Stewart being able to remain on the field was “valid” and there was a way to implement a send-off system successfully.

“I think it is doable with modern technology,” he said.

Matthews said it should involve an initial “sin binning” of the player while a video review and medical review took place.

Press PLAY below to hear Leigh Matthews explain how it’d work

Tom Elliott, filling in as host of 3AW Mornings, pointed out the fact the AFL was the only major football code without a send-off system in place.

“I don’t see any reason it can’t be done,” Tom Elliott said.

Press PLAY below to hear Tom Elliott’s thoughts on the matter

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)