AFL stars happy with the current state of the game and don’t want radical rule changes

AFL players are “more open to making the game look better” but an AFLPA poll shows they are strongly against starting positions, an expanded goalsquare and reduced interchange rotations.

Clayton Oliver handballs over the top. Picture: Getty Images

PLAYERS have sent a clear message to the AFL – hands off our game.

Less than one in 10 players polled in the AFL Players’ Association and Herald Sun annual survey want the league to introduce starting positions at every stoppage .

While AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield said players were “more open to looking at ways to make the game better”, the vast majority voted against the radical rules the AFL has trialled in secret this year.

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The 700 respondents also shot down the expanded goalsquare, reduced interchange rotations and abolishing runners as options to break the game open.

The only change heavily backed was the 6-6-6 structure at centre bounces, with 62 per cent favouring the subtle adjustment which is expected to be in play for Round 1 next year.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE AFLPA SURVEY RESULTS

“It is the simplest rule change to digest for players, because 6-6-6 is how they have lined up on a football field for most of their lives,” Dangerfield, who is also on the AFL’s Competition Committee, said.

“If introduced, it will stop teams from putting extras in defence and make it easier to score from centre bounces.

“It remains to be seen what impact this has on congestion.

“There has definitely been a shift (in players’ thinking) in the past 12 months.

“The modern footballer is more aware than ever before about their responsibilities to help grow the game.”

Richmond star Dustin Martin shrugs aside Aaron Naughton. Picture: Michael Klein

Dangerfield warned reducing rotations below 90 was dangerous.

“If the rotations were to reduce even further with the goal to fatigue players, then it would just result in more injuries,” Dangerfield said.

“We want to see the best players out of the park. The game is already hard enough.”

Almost three in 10 players backed increasing the distance players can run without bouncing the ball to 25m.

There were just 12 running bounces per game this year, down from 36 in 2008.

Essendon speedster Adam Saad’s 95 bounces this year well clear of the AFL’s No.2 Conor McKenna (46) and No.3 Heath Shaw (40).

The majority of players are happy with the current fixture format and want umpires to keep bouncing the ball in the centre circle.

Melbourne’s Nathan Jones tries to evade GWS’ Jeremy Finlayson. Picture: Michael Klein

While about half the players voted to retain the current list management mechanisms, one third called for a mid-season trade window where AFL-listed players could swap clubs.

The AFL flagged in pre-season that a mid-year trade or draft period would be considered for 2019.

Three quarters of players want the Grand Final staged in the afternoon, which was the same percentage as last year.

2018 HERALD SUN-AFLPA SURVEY

Q1: What levers do you think we should support to reduce congestion and/or increase scoring? (Can select multiple options)

Starting positions at centre bounces – 62%

Starting positions at stoppages – 8%

No runners at all – 16%

Increase the size and shape of the goal square – 14%

Reduced rotations – 9%

25m per bounce – 27%

Patrick Dangerfield on 25m per bounce: “This is an interesting one, it would definitely make it easier to flow the game when players are out in space and it may therefore reduce stoppages.”

Q2: What is the ideal number of rotations?

Less than 50 – 4%

50-70 – 7%

70-90 – 24%

90-110 – 37%

110-130 – 11%

130+ - 17%

Q3: What is your preferred AFL Grand Final timeslot?

Afternoon – 75% (same percentage as 2017)

Twilight – 22%

Night – 3%

Easton Wood: “Players have grown up with the traditional timeslot and there’s certainly an element of nostalgia attached to a warm September day and a red Sherrin. However, if the AFL was to move towards a twilight or night fixture then players would embrace it. Most players would just be rapt to be out there.”

Easton Wood with the 2016 premiership cup. Picture: Micheal Klein

Q4: Which of the following in-season list management mechanisms do you support? (can select multiple options)

February pre-season draft (non-AFL listed) – 13%

Mid-season draft (non-AFL listed) – 25%

Mid-season trade period (AFL listed players) – 34%

Keep it as it is – 52% (same percentage as 2017)

Q5: Does there need to be a players’ code of conduct covering on-field sledging?

Yes – 21%

No – 79%

Paul Marsh: “We discussed a code of conduct with a number of playing groups during our mid-year club visits and there was very little support for it. Our view is that there are already rules in place to capture incidents of this nature that are deemed to have crossed the line and players are punished with a fine or suspension.”

Q6: Should the draft eligibility age be lifted to 19 years old?

Yes – 38%

No – 60%

Other – 2%

Sam Docherty: “It’s a big jump from underage football to the elite level, but given the ease with which some players make that transition it’d be a big call to hold them back another year.”

Q7: What is the ideal fixture?

Current – 64%

17-5 – 29%

Other – 7%

Q8: Would you support a finals wildcard round?

Yes – 40%

No – 60%

Q9: Should umpires continue to bounce the ball at the start of the game and after goals?

Yes – 69%

No – 31%

Q10: Should the AFL re-introduce State of Origin?

Yes – 79%

No – 21%

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