Using the elbow to push an opposition player in the back, to gain an advantage in a marking contest.
is this a new lurk to overcome "the hands in the back rule ?
Did the umpire just "miss it" , or has it become legal lately?
It was a good kick and Hawkins held his ground.
As he should.
A quick summary of how push-in-the-back is currently assessed:
In marking contests: OK 80% of the time. Note at no stage have the ump bosses stated their clear instruction of several years ago (contact is enough, no need to actually push) has been cancelled.
During tackles: you‘ll get pinged 80% of the time, including in cases such as last night where you roll the guy and land on YOUR back. Note many of these cases are initiated by the “victimâ€.
In general play: do whatever you ■■■■■■ well like, push in the back does not exist.