The AFL has decided to introduce more rule changes for next year. Great.
League tinkerer-in-chief Steve Hocking has this time got interchange numbers and movement of the man on the mark in his sights.
A new cap of 75, down from 90, has been placed on interchanges per team - a bid to increase fatigue and reduce congestion.
MORE: AFL confirms salary cap and list size changes for 2021
“The evolution of the game has seen an increase in defensive structures and these changes combined are designed to provide a better balance between attack and defence while encouraging more open ball movement,” Hocking said.
“We have some of the most skillful athletes in the world, and the three changes are designed to reduce the defensive capability of teams and open up the game, providing an opportunity for players to have more freedom to play on instinct and show off their natural flair."
We can't be the only ones thinking increased fatigue will just lead to sloppier skills and more injuries?
And don't worry about letting the game evolve naturally or rewarding the teams who come up with a gameplan that wins games.
Just tell us you want to increase scoring so a few more ads can be squeezed in.
And in another change directly impacting teams' ability to defend, the man on the mark will now only be able to move one metre laterally.
Hocking reckons it will improve the options available to the man with the footy.
“Our game is in good shape but we all want more of what makes our game great and while there are always great moments of brilliance in the AFL, these changes aim to increase those moments and provide more opportunities for players to showcase their talents and ultimately give supporters more of what they love," the football operations boss said.
Hocking told AFL.com.au, the changes are aimed to encouraging more "Dustin Martin moments."
Here’s what will look a little different next season: https://t.co/dclRSqUV99 pic.twitter.com/PLvaR8TCrJ
— AFL (@AFL) November 18, 2020
The final rule change will see players on the mark at kick-ins be brought back 15m, up from the previous 10m.
AFL.com.au reports quarters are set to revert back to 20 minutes plus time-on after being cut to 16 minutes in 2020, though there's been no confirmation yet.
And that's not all, a Hocking confirmed the new second-tier VFL and East Coast competition will feature a new rule where players must adhere to starting positions at boundary throw-ins and kick-ins.
In addition to the 6-6-6 starting positions at centre bounces, at least three players from each team must be in each zone at boundary throw-ins and kick-ins.
“The Commission also approved a further adjustment... that will see three players stationed inside 50 metres, including one player in the goal square, for all kick ins and boundary throw ins,” Hocking said.
