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Lyon: Time to give the 50-metre penalty away
SEN • May 6th, 2026 11:08 am
Garry Lyon has called for the AFL to get rid of the 50-metre penalty
It comes after Hawthorn’s Cam Mackenzie was harshly dealt with for running through the 10-metre exclusion or protection zone against Collingwood last Thursday night.
The 50-metre penalty paid against the Hawks gave Steele Sidebottom an easy shot on goal in a game that ended in a draw.
Lyon reckons halving that penalty would fit the crime better.
“I think it’s time to give the 50 away and make it 25,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“Let’s just drop the 50-metre penalty. It is a massive impost to pay.
“Cam Mackenzie missed the 10-metre exclusion zone by two metres. He wasn’t trying to get in the way of the kick. The 50-metre penalty ends up a walk-in goal for Steele Sidebottom.
“Wouldn’t you be happy with 25 and split the difference? It’s still a serious enough penalty that coaches and players wouldn’t take advantage of it.
“It went from 15 to 50 because Tim Watson’s old coach (Kevin Sheedy) started to use it as a tactic. They used to drag people down so the game would stop and their defenders could go and defend. All it was was 15 metres.
“25 metres is still a fair way. I think 25 can work and we can cut the 10-metre exclusion zone to seven. It’s a bloody long way, 10 metres.
“I just think 50-metre penalties have been in and we’ve just accepted it. We all shake our head. For the infraction it’s a massive price to pay and it can change games.”
Co-host Tim Watson chimed in: “The example you’re using is to do with a rule that didn’t exist once at all.
“So had I been writing your editorial that’s one of the parts I would have started with.”
Lyon added: “Frivolity. The sort of thing a 25-metre penalty fits the crime for, not a 50.”
