AFL set to shorten halftime break to 15-minutes

Fans were angered when the AFL flagged changes to the half-time break. Following support from players and coaches, the league is likely to settle on a shortened window — but fans will still have enough time to grab a pie.

A shortened half-time break has general support across the industry. Picture: AAP Image/

The AFL is likely to settle on a 15-minute halftime break next year given strong initial support from clubs and coaches for the league’s proposal.

The league believes broadcasters will back the move because they can lose as much as 20 per cent of their audience over the current 20-minute halftime break.

In a tight game that audience often returns, but during one-sided or low-scoring matches today’s Netflix generation often finds other TV shows or movies to watch and never comes back.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

The AFL is likely to settle on a 15-minute half-time break.

Overall TV ratings were up this year from 2018, but scoring remains at historically low levels.

The league had initially thrown up a potential 10-minute halftime to the AFL’s competition committee but the Herald Sun understands a 15-minute break is now more likely for 2020.

After floating the proposal the league has sought feedback from coaches, players and broadcasters.

Coaches and clubs believe a quicker halftime break leaves less time for players get cold and Geelong captain Joel Selwood told the Herald Sun he backed the possible change.

Some fans have voiced their disapproval, believing it would not provide enough time to buy food, drink or have a toilet break at the ground.

But despite Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett’s outrage at the proposal there is general support from across the industry.

The league must still make a decision on the length of the 2020 halftime break but, if reduced to 15 minutes, broadcasters could offset better second-half ratings for any lost revenue from halftime advertising.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin supports a shortened half-time break.

A 15-minute halftime break would still leave room for multiple ad breaks.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin made clear he was behind the proposal late last month.

“I'm OK with it,” Goodwin he said.

“If you look around the world in terms of the game, our game is incredibly long.

“If we can find ways to reduce the length of the game for our spectators and the people involved in the game, I think it's a good thing. Ten less minutes for me is not going to affect the way we coach.”