Revealed: ‘Better technology’ pitched to AFL, coaches for controversial score review

Neale suitor ‘officially out’ after meeting; ‘better technology’ pitched to AFL, coaches for score review — Daily

A Lachie Neale suitor has officially withdrawn from the race.

Plus Craig McRae isn’t the only senior coach that’s seen “better technology” for score reviews. A tech company pitched to the AFL for its cameras to overhaul the current system. Read on in AFL Daily.

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St Kilda is officially out of the race for Lachie Neale.

Ross Lyon revealed the club was no longer pursuing the dual Brownlow medallist after their meeting last week, as the Saints prioritise retaining their young stars.

That includes the all-important signature of Darcy Wilson, who’s out of contract and drawing interest from multiple clubs.

But Neale, who also has interest from Collingwood, Essendon, Adelaide and the West Australian clubs, won’t be reuniting with his former coach Lyon.

“I’ve spoken to Lachie this weekend, and we’re officially out of the Lachie Neale race,” Lyon said on 3AW ahead of Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide.

“Not because we don’t value him and he wouldn’t be incredible, we’re just not in a position to do it with our young midfield and what

we’re trying to do and commit and sign.”

St Kilda was among the busiest clubs last off-season in a busy spending spree that saw it land Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders, Liam Ryan and Jack Silvagni.

‘BETTER TECHNOLOGY’ PITCHED TO AFL, OTHER COACHES

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has seen “better technology” for score reviews. And so have the AFL and other coaches.

Vello Technologies is the Melbourne-based tech company that pitched to have its cameras used in the controversial AFL Review Centre (ARC).

It’s understood Vello Technologies presented to the AFL late last year in hopes of its tech overhauling the score review system.

It would’ve improved the cameras from the current 40 frames a second to 440 frames a second.

McRae and other senior coaches have been shown the improved technology.

Vello Technologies, which builds its own software, works with AFL clubs for other tech purposes.

The AFL will get improved cameras at 200 frames a second for September to protect the finals from score review controversy.

It comes as a new vision-based score assist system will replace smart balling tracking technology in the upcoming AFLW season.

BLUES COACHING CONTENDER EMERGES AFTER TWO MEETINGS

St Kilda assistant and Geelong great Corey Enright has met with Carlton twice over its coaching opening to emerge as a real contender for the role.

The highly-rated Saints assistant, that some say has been unofficially earmarked as Ross Lyon’s successor, had already been linked to the Blues gig along with other untried options including Jaymie Graham, James Kelly, Daniel Giansiracursa and Hayden Skipworth as Carlton ramps up its interview process.

Much of the talk has surrounded whether Blues caretaker coach Josh Fraser will formally apply for the role permanently amid a perfect 7-0 run.

But Fox Sports News’ Drew Jones reports Enright is firmly on Carlton’s radar after a couple of catch ups.

“Josh Fraser still hasn’t thrown his hat in the ring – and maybe he needs to sooner rather than later,” Jones began on Fox Footy’s AFL Tonight.

“I understand Corey Enright has now met with the (Blues) twice. So Tuesday last week and then again this week – and my understanding is he caught up with them today (Friday).

“There hasn’t been a formal presentation yet from Corey, but he is widely regarded as one of the best assistants who is ready to step into that role. And it seems like the Blues agree.”

Commentator Corbin Middlemas endorsed Enright as a potential senior coach in waiting.

“We knew he was on that shortlist originally, but to think he’s already a couple of conversations in with Carlton … he feels like the name we keep hearing around the traps from people that know this space well,” Middlemas said.

“It’s just about as good a resume that you could possibly put together. I’m not overly surprised he’s very high on Graeme Wright’s list … it feels like, in terms of those untried guys, Corey Enright is probably the favourite.”

ROOS SHUT DOWN CLARKO CONTRACT TALK

North Melbourne is in no rush to re-sign senior coach Alastair Clarkson beyond 2027.

Clarkson has led the Kangaroos to a much-improved 8-9 record this season ahead of the final year of a five-season contract.

North already has its most wins since 2019 to sit in finals contention after finishing bottom three in each of the last six seasons.

However the club’s friendly fixture — including double ups against West Coast, Essendon and Richmond — has raised questions on how much true progress has been made under Clarkson in his fourth year at the helm.

Speaking on SEN radio ahead of Friday night’s loss to Collingwood, Roos president Sonja Hood wouldn’t be drawn into contract talk around the senior coach.

“Alastair is three and a half years into a five-year contract. So, I’ve got no interest in talking bout his contract,” she said.

Asked if Clarkson going into next season without a deal for 2028 and beyond would add pressure, Hood said: “No, he’s got a contract.

“I just think it’s a situation that gets talked up and turned into something that doesn’t need to be there.

“We entered into a five-year arrangement when we started this. The first year was eaten up by a crisis (Hawthorn investigation) we didn’t create, but we certainly had to navigate and wear the brunt of.”

Hood was overall pleased with where the club was positioned under the four-time premiership boss.

“Three and half a years in, I think he’s doing a terrific job. But we will all sit down when the time is right and have that conversation,” she said.

‘”But I’m not going to get rushed to it and neither is he.”

Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph said post-match that North head of footy Todd Viney “fully expects” Clarkson will get a contract extension ahead of next year but “the timing is up to the board”.

“He’s coaching as well as he ever has, the energy is there. The strong relationship with the players is there, it will take care of itself,” Viney told Ralph.

“If you zoom in on the coaches box at moments of tension, the eye of the tiger is there.”