AFL looks at radical microchip technology for footballs that could eliminate umpire errors

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has revealed the league is working on using microchip technology to eliminate umpiring errors.

A chip implanted inside the football could give clarity to fans and peace of mind to the league.

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Sports broadcaster pioneer David Hill helped create world series cricket and he now works for Formula One.

His latest invention could be ready for the AFL’s 2023 season.

“We are conducting experiments with chips in the ball and with the according link to on-screen graphics,” Hill told Channel 7.

“But we hope we will have something in a matter of weeks,” he said.

The microchip could determine a touched ball and help settle debate during contentious goal reviews.

It could also be used to help solve Saturday night’s mystery where debate raged over when the ball crossed the line in relation to the final siren sounding.

During that game between Fremantle and North Melbourne it appeared on the broadcast vision that the siren hadn’t sounded when the ball went out – but on the real-time feed the siren had gone before the ball crossed the line.

That decision ultimately cost Fremantle a chance of a free kick and a shot on goal that could have saved (or at least drawn) the game in their shock loss to the Roos.

McLachlan said it was exciting technology.

“So if the ball-chip technology is an example, (and it) works, and doesn’t effect the flight of the ball in any way, we’ll use it,” McLachlan said.

“I think it’s going through a testing process at the moment.”

The locator chip is similar to that produced by Apple and is cut – or sewn – into the ball’s bladder.

The AFL is confident it won’t effect the overall weight of the ball.