SANFL to discuss rule changes, including the 19th man controversy from preliminary final

CONTROVERSIAL 19th man rule to be closely scrutinised by the SANFL following the preliminary final drama and changes are expected for next season.

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THE controversial 19th man rule which enabled North Adelaide to keep its premiership dream alive after the preliminary final is facing an overhaul by the SANFL.

The matter will be discussed at the league’s laws of the game committee meeting this month, along with the new laws to be implemented by the AFL next season.

However, a more detailed review of the 19th man rule will be a priority for the SANFL football committee, although it will not move on any changes until the AFL decides on any amendments to the laws of the game.

“We are waiting to see if there are any amendments by the AFL and then we will have a review and implement any further changes considered necessary in our regulations,” SANFL football operations manager Tom Hurley said.

The Roosters had 19 men on the field for the first four minutes of the final quarter of an enthralling preliminary final when they overcame a 47-point deficit to conquer Woodville-West Torrens by five points.

The eventual premier added 1.2 in that period and the Eagles challenged the result at the SANFL tribunal, claiming they had been robbed of a grand final berth.

Under the league rules, Eagles co-captains Luke Thompson or Patrick Giuffreda had to call for a head count. After the result was upheld at the tribunal, SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said changes to the rules and regulations around calling for a head count in games would be considered.

The AFL announced changes to its rules for next season, including a requirement teams must have six players inside both 50m arcs, one of which must be in the goal square.

Team runners may only enter the playing surface after a goal and must exit the ground before play restarts. Rules have also been altered for ruck and making contests, as well as kick-ins.

“We have a laws of the game committee meeting later this month when all potential changes will be discussed,” Hurley said. “That includes what is being implemented by the AFL.

“This follows a meeting in late August when we had preliminary discussions on potential for next year.”