Three-time AFL Grand Final umpire Ray Chamberlain fears an increase in touchy prohibited contact free kicks could lead to more in-game player “flopping”.

It comes as Chamberlain suggested a possible messaging “disconnect” had led to more controversial prohibited contact decisions of late, including the extraordinary qualifying final free kick to Lion Cam Rayner .

The AFL on Saturday conceded the first of two free kicks awarded to Rayner during the Lions’ qualifying final loss to Geelong was incorrect. Cat Tyson Stengle was lining up a goal to extend the Cats’ lead, before a free kick was paid against Mark O’Connor in the goalsquare at the other end of the ground for a shove to Rayner’s back.

Semi Final

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