SA Footy

Watching the old replay, Motley and Dreher on the ground wrestling. Umpire and players step in to break it up (free to Motley) vision shows the umpire actually hold Drehers head on the ground with some force while Motley gets off him.

Would have thought this ordinary even 23 years ago.

Not really, people weren't as precious back then as they are now. Haven't seen the incident, but umpires had a duty of care for the safety of the players, and if he felt Motely's health was in jeopardy he possibly saw the need to intervene.