AFL Grand Final: What happens if it’s a draw? Golden point rules explained

THERE have been three draws in AFL Grand Final history meaning replays for all involved. That all changed in 2016 when the rules were tweaked. So what happens if the scores are level on the siren?

2010 AFL Grand Final, Collingwood Magpies v St Kilda Saints, at the MCG in Melbourne. Collingwood team after the draw

THE final siren of the AFL Grand Final is the climax of the year in footy as a new premier is crowned. But what happens if it’s a draw?

>>>>LIVE COVERAGE OF THE 2018 AFL GRAND FINAL

The high-scoring nature of the AFL is why it’s such an exciting game.

But even with plenty of opportunities to score, the unlikely scenario of a draw in the Grand Final has happened in the past.

The 2010 Grand Final between Collingwood and St Kilda ended in a 68-68 draw after Saints midfielder Lenny Hayes kicked a point at the 29-minute mark, levelling the scores.

The two teams had to face each other again a week later in a replay, forcing fans and players to quickly reschedule their plans. This time, Collingwood defeated St Kilda by a whopping 56 points.

Before 2010, draws in the Grand Final had only occurred twice before: in 1948 and 1977.

But in April 2016, the AFL changed the rules.

2Collingwood and St Kilda had to replay the 2010 Grand Final

HOW IT WORKS:

* On the siren if the scores are level, umpires confirm to timekeepers by waving flags

* A six-minute break begins when the flags are waved. Coaches can go on to the field

* Interchange cap is reset to 15 for both teams

* First period of additional time (five minutes plus time-on)

* Teams kick to the same end as in the fourth quarter

* End of first period of additional time. Teams change ends. NOTE there is no break and coaches/club staff cannot go on the field

* Any interchanges made during the change of ends are counted in the 15 limit

* Second period of additional time (Five minutes plus time-on)

* If scores are tied at the end of the second period of additional time, the siren will not sound and play will continue until a score occurs - GOLDEN POINT

Collingwood smashed the Saints in a replay a week later.

The AFL Commission announced a replay will no longer be an option for finals games, including the Grand Final.

Instead, the teams will be given extra-time after the siren sounds to scavenge a few precious points.

Extra-time is split into two five-minute halves. The teams change goals at the end of the first half.

And if the scores are still square at the end of the second half, the teams are put into a sudden-death scenario.

The siren will stay quiet until a team scores a point — dubbed the “golden point”. Then the match finishes, and the premier is crowned.

This system has not been adopted for the home-and-away season, where points from drawn matches will continue to be split.