AFL says one hour delays to stay after Brisbane request they be halved following Gabba lights out

The AFL has responded after the Brisbane Lions called for maximum forced match breaks to be halved from an hour to 30 minutes.

Picture: Getty Images

The AFL has rebuffed Brisbane’s official request to end games if they cannot restart within 30 minutes of postponement as the Lions prepare for next week’s Gabba night blockbuster Collingwood.

Brisbane believed the league should not have restarted their dramatic clash against Melbourne last week given the capacity for serious injury.

Their Gabba power suppliers eventually restarted the game after 38 minutes as the Lions held on despite Melbourne roaring back into the game.

Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann spoke to the AFL’s powerbrokers this week to make clear he believes games should not be recommenced if they cannot be started within 30 minutes.

Melbourne and Brisbane players wait after the lights went out at the Gabba. Picture: Getty Images

But an AFL spokesperson told NewsCorp on Thursday it was imperative games finish if it was possible given fairness concerns.

The AFL has discretion to restart a game even later than the 60-minute cut stated under AFL rules.

“Our aim is to always resume the game as quickly and safely as possible both for the clubs and fans. The current 60 minute instruction provides the guardrails, everyone knows the rules, and ultimately, we move as quickly as possible to identify the issue, can it be fixed and how long will it take to resume,” the spokesperson said.

“In this instance it was well under the threshold. The competition is so close, every minute counts, and our priority is always to finish the game, something we have consistently done in recent years, where game stoppages have occurred.”

Swann told RSN Radio the Lions believed the risk of injury was significant after a 30-minute delay.

“I think (60 minutes) is (too long). I rang the AFL after a few days and had that exact conversation. Half an hour is plenty. It was really hot, still 28 degrees. When the guys cooled down it had cooled down. The prospect of an hour is too long. Half an hour is a lot and they are going to have a look at it going forwards. There was a storm and lightning stop a game in Perth a few years ago but it’s pretty rare. I think half an hour is enough.”

Energex workers at the Gabba following the power outage. Picture David Clark

Power supplier Energex will have experts on hand next week to ensure a consistent supply of power but the Gabba’s ageing infrastructure means there are no guarantees.

“They will have a crew from Energex from games every time now. Hopefully it’s a one-off. It happened in the Big Bash but they are pretty confident it is going to be OK. I am sure the AFL will have a look at it but it’s all systems go for next week when we play the Pies.”

Robbo: Greats in mix for key AFL role as showdown looms

Club presidents are headed for a showdown with the AFL commission as frustration builds about the two vacant commission spots.

The presidents want the positions filled as a matter of priority and are compiling a list of candidates to present to the ruling body.

One of the names will be experienced football official Andrew Ireland, who worked at Brisbane and Sydney and has the respect of the football industry, most notably the presidents.

The presidents want the second position to be filled by a recently retired footballer.

Names being considered — and likely to be approached — include recently retired Geelong captain Joel Selwood, Carlton and West Coast great Chris Judd and former Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich.

Those three are considered the prime candidates.

Geelong legend Joel Selwood. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

West Coast and Carlton legend Chris Judd. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Because Ireland would be a representative of the northern states if successful, the presidents would also strongly consider a South Australian presence.

That list would include former Crows captain Mark Bickley, former Port Adelaide premiership player Darryl Wakelin and Jack Trengove, who is now a fund manager after an injury-riddle playing career at Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

It’s understood Sydney Swans legend Michael O’Loughlin was approached but declined, as speculation mounts the first Indigenous commissioner Professor Helen Milroy might be departing, which would create three vacancies.

The AFL wants an Indigenous voice on the commission.

The problem for some former players is that they would have to forego their media careers to become a commissioner.

Professor Helen Milroy could be departing the AFL commission.

Industry people remain dumbfounded by the fact the two positions have been vacant for 12 months and believe that outside of Andrew Newbold, the former Hawks president, the commission is lacking football experience.

Speculation the presidents were preparing to challenge chairman Richard Goyder’s position are unfounded.

Frustration also continues, however, over the delay in appointing a chief executive to replace Gillon McLachlan despite him announcing he was leaving in April last year.

Also, the Tasmanian licence is still not across the line, the CBA is being worked on, and without a new CEO the league is without a general manager of football.

The new boss will appoint the new footy boss.

Meanwhile, the Hawks investigation has been drowned in a quagmire of legal complexity by Hawthorn and the coaches, who are defending themselves after allegations from past players and their partners.

Originally published as AFL says one hour delays to stay after Brisbane request they be halved following Gabba lights out