AFL clubs could be given up to three challenges under a possible change to the ARC score review system in 2020

After a number of controversial score review decisions this year, the AFL is exploring putting the pressure on players with a challenge system but GWS captain Stephen Coniglio isn’t in favour of the idea.

The score review system was controversial throughout the season. Picture: Getty Images

Newly appointed Greater Western Sydney captain Stephen Coniglio doesn’t want to to see a cricket-style challenge system for score reviews introduced in the AFL.

The Herald Sun reported last week the league had moved a step closer to employing a captain’s challenge system following support from the competition committee and positive fan feedback.

Under a likely proposal clubs would be given a set number of appeals for contentious touched decisions.

While all goals would still be reviewed by the AFL Review Centre, much of the onus would fall back on the players rather than umpires to refer unclear decisions.

Coniglio’s view comes despite GWS being on the wrong end of a score review error during their thrilling preliminary final win over Collingwood.

“I actually don’t mind it as it is. In my opinion, I don’t think we should go down the captain’s challenge path,” Coniglio said on SEN.

“For me it’s no.

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Josh Thomas was credited with a touched goal in the preliminary final. Picture: Michael Klein

“I just think with the scoreline technology, although there is a lot of controversy over it, it gives some sort of fairness in the way they do look at those ones.

“The captain’s thing, maybe we’re overdoing it just a touch.”

Football operations manager Steven Hocking confirmed a recommendation for the change could go before the AFL Commission for its mid-December meeting.

Hocking said the competition committee, which has representatives of presidents, chief executives, coaches and players, backed a challenge system.

“There was definite support for it … nervously though,” he said. “Our game is quite different to other sports and is played on a much larger field. We need to mindful of that.”

He insisted the AFL was satisfied with its technology, despite its failure when Collingwood was awarded a goal against the Giants when Josh Thomas’s shot was clearly touched.

“If you have a look at what we did through the finals series, it (the system) was upgraded, so we are satisfied with that,” Hocking said.

“It is now whether or not the AFL continues to involve itself in the decision-making or whether the clubs actually have the ability to do it.”

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook isn’t sold on the idea or the AFL’s constant need to change and introduce new rules.

The score review system was controversial throughout the season. Picture: Getty Images

“I get a little bit dizzy with the changes,” Cook said on SEN. “I know the changes they’re making are working towards a better future and all those things but I don’t know, I just don’t think we have enough emphasis on human nature and humans making decisions albeit they might be wrong every now and again.

“I have (always lived with it).

“I think technology and data analysis has taken over a fair bit, I get that and we live in a world where we rely on that data at times, but

“It (challenge system) is (a major change).”

The Herald Sun reported last week the AFL is also considering shortening the length of the half time break.

“The shortened breaks, whether it be half time or quarter time, I’m probably more in favour for. I think if anything, that would be something I’d prefer,” Coniglio said.

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“I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting old or not but I get too cold too quickly.

“To be honest, maybe five or six minutes to cut off, I think the break goes for a little bit too long and you don’t actually need that long as players who are all really fit.

“If there’s guys that need extra attention, by the time you actually run out to warm up again for the first bounce of the third quarter, there’s more time there as well.

“For me, I definitely think we can shorten the breaks and make it a little more entertaining that half time timeslot for the viewers.”

The competition committee discussed a range of issues last week, including industry and fan feedback to rule changes this year, a streamlined approach to pre-season, the establishment of a competition evolution team to replace the game analysis team, and changes to the use of runners.