The most accurate description of the operation is that it is consistently inconsistent. One thing is certain - the AFL has been guilty of mixed messaging.

On one hand, the league talks about how it frowns upon head-high contact as the concussion debate in sport worldwide continues to gather momentum.

Recently, the AFL went a step further by banning boxing and sparring sessions at training after Hawthorn forward Mitch Lewis was concussed.

Yet, there are numerous examples of inconsistency from the MRO and tribunal this season, leading to a perception that certain players and clubs receive different treatment.

The past round of matches provided further evidence as Geelong captain Joel Selwood received another fine for head-high contact on GWS defender Sam Taylor.

Selwood elected to bump and collected Taylor when he could have tackled the Giant.

The veteran Cat was most fortunate to avoid a suspension, aided by the fact that Taylor was not seriously injured and played out the match.

Earlier this year, Selwood should have been suspended for two separate incidents against the Western Bulldogs, but escaped with fines.

The following weekend, the Cats' dual All-Australian defender Tom Stewart should have been charged with rough conduct after pushing Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron's head into the Gabba turf.

Yet, he received only a $1000 fine for wrestling.

In the same round, Carlton's Zac Williams was suspended for one match for rough conduct on Adelaide's Ben Keays in an incident which appeared to be a carbon copy of the Stewart-Cameron altercation two days before.

This was Williams' second suspension this year, having missed the season opener against Richmond after being banned for one game during a pre-season match against St Kilda.

Williams lost his appeal at the tribunal after the AFL argued successfully that his clash with Hunter Clark had the "potential to cause serious injury", despite the Saint returning to the field after 10 minutes and showing no signs of concussion.

But the MRO and tribunal have failed to adhere strictly to that guideline since, tending to judge most incidents on the outcome and resultant injury rather than the potential for players to be injured.

Even then, there are inconsistencies. David Mackay's clash with Clark in round 13, which left the Saint's jaw fractured in three places, was sent directly to the tribunal, which subsequently cleared the Crow in a case that was widely viewed as a verdict on the legitimacy of the bump.

Last month, veteran Sydney spearhead Lance 'Buddy' Franklin was initially banned for one game for elbowing Fremantle defender Luke Ryan to the head, but that decision was overturned by the tribunal.

So the big question for the AFL, MRO and tribunal is: where is the consistency?

It is apparent the rules and guidelines for the MRO and tribunal need to be much stronger and clearer.

Hopefully, the AFL's new head of football operations makes this a priority in 2022.

The Tokyo Olympic Games are over, but the competition provided many unforgettable moments and highlights from an Australian viewpoint.

The Games were a welcome distraction from the misery of lockdown endured by the majority of the population.

While the nation's eyes were mainly on the swimmers in the first week, the focus shifted with several stunning performances taking centre stage.

Not all of the heroes won a medal, but they left a big impression.

As Australia's first finalist in the men's 800m final in 53 years, Peter Bol lost no friends with a gutsy display, setting a hot pace and hanging on for fourth.

There were emotional scenes as Nicola McDermott broke a national women's high jump record to win silver and Kelsey-Lee Barber sealed a bronze in the women's javelin.

But probably the most memorable moment at the athletics track for Australia came in the final event of the men's decathlon.

In a selfless act of sportsmanship, Cedric Dubler roared encouragement to his younger compatriot Ashley Moloney during the 1500m.

With Dubler motivating him all the way despite nursing a sore hamstring, Moloney ignored the pain to power home and win bronze, becoming Australia's first medallist in the decathlon.

At 21, Moloney could become the world's greatest all-round athlete.

In the teams events, there was also plenty of emotion. The men's hockey and women's beach volleyball teams were disappointed to settle for silver.

But there were more tears of joy as the Patty Mills-inspired Boomers broke through for a cherished bronze in men's basketball after finishing fourth at four previous Olympics and the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Australia finished with 17 gold, seven silver and 22 bronze for a total of 46 medals, its equal third-best result at an Olympic Games. Two of the gold medals came in the popular pursuits of BMX cycling and skateboarding.

Logan Martin and Keegan Palmer should be proud of their efforts, but at the risk of being labelled old-fashioned, these sports do not deserve Olympic status. Tennis and golf also should not be held at the Games - they already receive enough exposure around the world and these sports' major events determine the best players.

Email: howardkotton11@gmail.com; Twitter:@hpkotton59.