AFL conducts its fourth rules trial at St Kilda — so what did it look like?

THE giant goalsquare was evident first. Then the similarly-big contingent from AFL HQ. But what else was obvious about the league’s fourth trial of proposed rule “adjustments”? We got a first-hand look.

THE giant goalsquare was evident first.

Then the similarly-big contingent from AFL HQ.

As the Saints meandered onto RSEA Park for their usual training session two days out from a game, there was a significantly different feel.

Shades of an “exhibition” — coach Alan Richardson called it, though he’d kept it in check — with more watching on and even a few from above as a television news chopper hovered over the competition’s fourth rules trial.

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One Saints staffer wondered whether a robbery had occurred in the area. That surely the helicopter that circled wasn’t flying above Moorabbin for this.

But as the game’s head honchos deliberate “adjustments” for football at the highest level moving forward, it most certainly was.

The extra-long goal square was immediately evident to those arriving at Moorabbin for the league’s fourth rules trial. Picture: Michael Klein

Around 10 umpires warmed up, including former Saint Leigh Fisher, while St Kilda went through its usual drills. League football operations boss Steve Hocking, offsider and league head of coaching David Rath, head of umpiring Grant Williams, former player turned umpiring consultant James Podsiadly and Saints footy boss and Hocking’s predecessor Simon Lethlean among others assumed their spot on the balcony.

Then it was time.

When the ball was thrown up, the 6/6/6 formation was immediately clear with wing players from opposition outfits also split by a long white line that divided the ground down the middle.

By the time it hit the ground, players ran wherever they liked until a stoppage. Things didn’t look that different, as representatives from Port Adelaide were also spotted watching on.

Later, two players from each team were then positioned at the back of the square with no wing players — part of the “hybrid” model of trialling that still allowed St Kilda to implement its game plan ahead of Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney.

They were adamant this was to be no distraction from preparations.

AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking was part of a large AFL contingent at RSEA Park on Thursday, including head of coaching David Rath and umpiring consultant James Podsiadly. Picture: Michael Klein

Having multiple players in the forward half of the ground during a defensive 50 stoppage was also checked out, which forced two players from each team to remain in the back half of the ground. They could move up to the halfway point — not held inside 50 as has been looked at in years gone by.

One common factor throughout the entire trial was umpires quickly throwing the ball up at every stoppage which clearly quickened play. There was no ruck nomination. We can expect that to go.

The prior opportunity rule was obviously tightened with a quick ball up every time it was paid rather than a free kick, with Richardson of the belief that contributed to congestion.

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He was right. Players had no opportunity to get themselves out of the area that had become cramped with players — an opportunity that is often allowed by the few seconds of pause as both umpires and players find position.

The goalsquares were extended to 18 metres, prompting some players to joke that Cat-cum-NFL punter Ben Graham would have had a field day from kick-ins.

It was only a 20-minute window. But it was enough to leave Richardson thinking the trial period should be extended also.

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