MRO overhaul: Grading system set to be changed to deliver more lenient outcomes

The AFL is set to overhaul its match review system to deliver more lenient suspensions for some rough conduct cases, potentially reducing three-match bans to one or two games.

The AFL’s match review grading system will be changed next season to deliver more lenient outcomes in some rough conduct and head-high contact cases.

The Herald Sun can reveal the league will introduce a new lever which will allow it to downgrade impact severity and effectively reduce the length of some suspensions.

It means players who have previously received a three-match suspension for concussing an opponent in an innocuous-looking incident may miss only one or two matches in 2026.

McInerney Starcevich concussion

The shake-up will give the league extra scope to find some middle ground in some cases instead of the black-or-white situations where players face three-match bans or nothing.

But stomach punches will likely attract tougher penalties including suspensions next year where players are deliberately struck to the mid-section with a closed first or swinging arm.

The new MRO rules will be popular with clubs who have lobbied the AFL to create more flexibility in its match review system.

In particular, there has been a spate of three-match rough conduct and head-high contact bans in recent years.

An overhaul is coming to the MRO. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Sydney Swan Justin McInerney last year received a three-match suspension for his bump which knocked out former Brisbane Lion Brandon Starcevich who has a serious concussion history.

It was a tough verdict on McInerney who only made slight contact from the side to Starcevich in round one at the SCG.

At the time, the Swans considered the suspension harsh in the circumstances, and especially considering Starcevich’s history of head knocks.

But from next season, McInerney could be eligible for a suspension downgrade pending the assessment of the incident and offence from match review officer Michael Christian.

The new ruling is expected to take into account the look of the incident, impact and conduct of the player instigating the contact.

But it won’t mean all cases are downgraded as the league still wants to maintain a strong stance on protecting players’ heads in a bid to reduce concussions in the game.

The league’s official medical data shows overall concussions dropped sharply from 66 in 2023 to 61 last year and 50 this year as part of a MRO crackdown on head contact and dangerous tackles.

Tristian Xerri's incident

Tackle Ban AFL

North Melbourne pair Paul Curtis and Tristan Xerri were both dealt three-match bans for their rough conduct charges which divided the football world last season.

But similar offences may still receive three-match bans in their situations as Curtis pinned both of Josh Sinn’s arms in a tackle and Xerri knocked out Demon Tom Sparrow with a left forearm.

The clause is being finalised at league headquarters this month following approval from the legal and football departments and will be announced over the preseason.

The AFL can increase the severity of impact gradings under the ‘potential to cause serious injury’ clause, but never before has Christian been able to downgrade incidents in certain circumstances.

It continues the raft of recent changes under new AFL footy boss Greg Swann which include the call to scrap the centre bounce, introduce a last disposal out-of-bounds free kick and a stricter stand rule.

The AFL was keen to help speed the game up and reduce the length of matches.

The AFL is expected to maintain its strong stance on penalising players for pushing rivals dangerously into marking contests next season.

Originally published as MRO overhaul: Grading system set to be changed to deliver more lenient outcomes