At about 25 mins into the second quarter an Adelaide player was setting up to kick a goal from about 25m out, slight angle. As he ran in to kick, Tapscott went to the ball bag and took a ball out so as to kick in quickly if the player missed - which he did, the ball going high into the stand. But the umpire wouldn't let Tapscott play on.

Can anyone tell me what the rule is here? I thought I've seen lots of teams do this and was pleased to see that at last Melbourne had started doing it. Was he stopped because he took it out of the bag before the ball was kicked or what?

At about 25 mins into the second quarter an Adelaide player was setting up to kick a goal from about 25m out, slight angle. As he ran in to kick, Tapscott went to the ball bag and took a ball out so as to kick in quickly if the player missed - which he did, the ball going high into the stand. But the umpire wouldn't let Tapscott play on.

Can anyone tell me what the rule is here? I thought I've seen lots of teams do this and was pleased to see that at last Melbourne had started doing it. Was he stopped because he took it out of the bag before the ball was kicked or what?

Same as Dunn being told he wasn't allowed to use the advantage rule a few weeks ago. He was allowed to do it, but the umps like to make stuff up to slow Melbourne down when they are on a role.

At about 25 mins into the second quarter an Adelaide player was setting up to kick a goal from about 25m out, slight angle. As he ran in to kick, Tapscott went to the ball bag and took a ball out so as to kick in quickly if the player missed - which he did, the ball going high into the stand. But the umpire wouldn't let Tapscott play on.

Can anyone tell me what the rule is here? I thought I've seen lots of teams do this and was pleased to see that at last Melbourne had started doing it. Was he stopped because he took it out of the bag before the ball was kicked or what?

He has to wait until the goal umpire signals the behind - I was at the game and didn't see the replay so not sure if he did or not - given how quickly he kicked it out he may have been a second or 2 too quick

You have to wait until the central umpire has given the all clear to the goal umpire. Tappy had started his run up to kick pretty much as soon as the ball was miss kicked....

Great thinking ahead but unfortunately jumped the gun.

He has to wait until the goal umpire signals the behind

Correct. A while ago, you used to have to wait for the flags to be waved, now you just have to wait for the goal umpire's signal.