As I've outlined in previous posts, I'm in favour of some changes to the rules of AFL in order to make the game more visually appealing. Yes the grand final was spectacular, but for me, the vast majority of the season was marred by slow, congested football and scorelines that reflected as much.
Similarly, I can't understand the reluctance to embrace rule changes as anything other than unjustified conservatism, given that the AFL has changed the rules of the game every few years since it was invented in an attempt to make the game better.
And the AFL this week released the changes to rules they will introduce for the 2019 season.
Some of these were predicted, but some were definitely not. Some, such as the ability to play on from behinds, are refreshing but also probably controversial. The AFL suggest this rule in particular leapfrogs the idea of 18m goal squares, which I didn't mind, but I think this rule is better as it reduces the benefit for the team kicking in, that may have reduced the incentive for teams shooting for goals late in close games.
What might be interesting to follow is to see if any of these rule changes advance or slow the careers of some players, or if it makes a certain type of player more attractive/effective, and alter the value of player contracts accordingly. The rebounding backman would certainly seem to be someone who would benefit from these rules, as does the ruckman.
Here's my take on each rule change:
Traditional Playing Positions at Centre Bounce: Implementation of a traditional set up at centre bounces – Clubs must have six Players inside both 50-Metre arcs, with one Player required to be inside the Goal Square. Four Midfield Players are positioned inside the Centre Square with the Wingmen required to be placed somewhere along the Wing.
- In favour. Won't have a huge impact until the end of very close games, in that it prevents teams from flooding their backline after goals.
Kick-Ins: For Kick-Ins from a Behind, a Player will no longer need to kick to himself to Play On out of the Goal Square.
- In favour. While some people say this will end the joy of watching a player step over the line on kick ins and the resulting ball-up (really...?), this will rapidly increase the speed of the game. Get prepared for 'rebound footy'.
Marks / Free Kicks: For all Defenders who take a Mark or gain a Free Kick within 9 metres of their own Goal, the man on The Mark for the attacking team will be brought in line with the top of the Goal Square.
- In favour. Gives the player bringing the ball in a bit more room to move, and might avoid the almost obligatory long kick down the line from such situations
Runners and Water Carriers: Team Runners may only enter the Playing Surface once a goal has been kicked and must exit the Playing Surface before play Recommences. Water Carriers are not permitted to enter the Playing Surface during live play.
- In favour. Less unnecessary people on the field the better.
Umpire Contact: Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the Umpire at each Centre Bounce.
- In favour. Why was this not a rule already???
50-Metre Penalty: Stricter on the infringing player, allowing the Player with the ball to advance The Mark by 50 metres without the infringing player delaying the game. In addition, the Player with the Football will be able to play on during the advancement of the 50-Metre Penalty.
- In favour. Again, should speed play up and lessens the opportunity for the infringing team to set up their defense while the ball is being advanced.
Kicking for Goal post-siren – Centre of Goal Line: A Player who has been awarded a Mark or Free Kick once play has ended will now be able to Kick across their body using a Snap or Check-side Kick. The Player shall dispose of the Football directly in line with the man on The Mark and the Goal.
- In favour. I felt this should be a rule before. As long as the player does not go over the line of the man on the mark to the centre of the goal line, then where is there any benefit in being behind that line?
Ruck Contests – Prior Opportunity: A Ruck Player who takes possession of the Football while contesting a bounce or throw up by a field Umpire or a boundary throw in by a boundary Umpire, will not be regarded as having had Prior Opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated Ruck, the Ruck for each Team will continue to nominate to the field Umpire.
- In favour, although the ruckman should still dispose of the ball before being tackled. Second part of this rule should speed up play.
Marking Contest: ‘Hands in the Back’ rule interpretation to be repealed, allowing a Player to place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a Marking contest but not to push the Player in the back.
- Not in favour. Don't see why this was introduced, other than to give some ground back to defenders, who already have it hard enough. Might make it a bit easier on umpires as well.
On balance though, I strongly believe these rules will speed up the game. Perhaps would have liked to have seen the boundary umpire come in for throw ins, but still a good start.
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