So a couple of major rule changes this year that I will be watching with interest.
Firstly, the man on the mark rule that prevents the player standing the mark from moving laterally. While it looks a bit awkward, and I don't like the "stand" call by the umpire, I think this is a good move. It essentially takes the defender out of the game, giving a numerical advantage to the team with the ball. It opens up the kicking lanes around the defender, and it frees up other offensive players from having to block the defender on the mark if they wanted to.
It will take some time to adjust, and I think teams will work out how to move the ball quickly, but this is a good rule change.
Something I'm less in favour of is the reduction of interchange rotations to 75. This is designed to fatigue players and open up play, but I think it will increase the number of injuries in the game, and it will also encourage slow play, as teams will look to slow the game down and preserve their energy for the whole game.
I would actually be in favour of going the other way, and making the number of rotations unlimited. However, to prevent the game from turning into a rolling scrum, reduce the number of players on the field to 15, and enforce the holding the ball more. The 6-6-6 rule is fine, especially after goals, but there's no need to have the rule in place for other stoppages. Also throw the ball up quickly at ball-ups and get rid of the need to nominate ruckman. Keep the third-man up penalty however - teams will work out who is contesting the ruck themselves or give away a free kick.
Also, bring the umpire in 10 metres from the boundary on throw-ins, like the AFLW, to get the ball into the corridor.
Unfortunately, I think the man on the mark rule and the 75 rotation cap may actually cancel each other out, which is unfortunate.
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