Opinion

Age columnist and former Richmond captain May 14, 2026 — 11:47am

Having two teenage daughters, the sounds of Harry Styles, Olivia Dean and even a little Taylor Swift have too often been coming out of the speakers at home.

Last week, I turned back the clock; a bit of Pearl Jam. When Eddie Vedder belted out my favourite line in Corduroy – “Everything has changed, absolutely nothin’s changed” – my mind went instantly to … the holding the ball rule . Sad, I know.

Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore calls for holding the ball. AFL Photos

On May 31, 1927 the following words appeared in the Launceston Examiner in an article about umpiring and, more specifically, holding the ball. The rule was being explained by “well known” Adelaide umpire, Mr JJ Quinn.

“The greatest difference of opinion about the rule is the length of time for which a player may retain possession when held.…