Breaking Down the 2021 AFL Rule Changes

The AFL have announced three changes to the rules of Australian Football for the 2021 season, with the aim of opening up the game and increasing scoring. In this video we look at how these rules work, why they've been introduced and how successful they are likely to be.
===== Support us on Patreon: / footya2z =====
Facebook: / footya2z
Instagram: / footy_a2z
Music:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Wakanda" by Mona Wonderlick - bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free download: bit.ly/wakanda-download
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@FootyA2Z]

Were you happy with the 2021 rule changes? Leave your thoughts below!

[@adamg_23]

No. Man the Mark rules are crap

[@kevsmagpies1306]

Leave the game alone I don’t like high scoring it’s not a great look for the game and players won’t be able to keep playing for longer periods and kicking will be shit because players can’t kick the ball. I don’t care how Collingwood plays al long as we win. The whole part of the game is to stop the other team from scoring and score more than the other team

[@zoltanm8278]

All rule changes in the last 5 year have been crap. Just leave the game alone like the fans (and players) like it

[@arrgghh1555]

No. The main thing they need to do is start enforcing holding the ball/incorrect disposal. The whole fatigue thing is absolute stupidity, we're already in an era where fitness is valued far to much over skill, where we draft players who've never seen a football because they are prime 'athletes'. It's ridiculous that the greatest goal kicker of all time wouldn't even get a chance to play in a modern day team because he doesn't fit some fitness requirement.

[@Hash1996]

No. Revert the rules back to how they were before 2014. Unlimited interchanges lead to more dynamic play, scrap the ridiculous patchwork ruck rules like no 3rd man up, nominated ruck, and 1-meter separation that was brought in to "improve aesthetic," and give the umpires a chance to focus on the things that matter like holding the ball.

[@tylerjames3295]

Gotta bad feeling about how many 50m penalties there will be at first. Gonna be stinky

[@FootyA2Z]

Watch out round 1 😅

[@mrpuniverse2]

@@FootyA2Z Only have to watch Essendon play to see how many will get paid against them for moving a micro meter

[@Jakitz2]

@@mrpuniverse2 No 50s will be paid for moving a micrometre.

[@mrpuniverse2]

@@Jakitz2 I slightly exaggerated but be assured it will be a controversial rule paid more than likely for frivolous movement

[@ashtonzalcman3231]

@@Jakitz2 lol that has changed

[@DianneFilipenko]

I'd like to see a 'rule changes did they work' vid at end of 2021

[@FootyA2Z]

can do

[@Mike-px6pg]

@@FootyA2Z this an perhaps a best/worst of the recent rule changes (whether or not you inlice the dumpster fire that is 2020 quarter lenghts)

[@troyjackson9743]

@@Mike-px6pg that was a necessary change due to the more condensed fixture. Was never going to be permanent

[@jeddcrapper8090]

AFL "We want it to be easier to clear a ball from a kick in" ALSO AFL "Lets put a bloke directly in the most popular spot teams kick to in kick ins"

[@Calignos]

Personally I can't stand this crusade that the AFL seems to have to bring back bigger scores. Personally I don't give a shit if the score ends up 38-42 or 102-108. I want a high pressure, enjoyable arm wrestle where the better team wins- and more than anything, I want it to be fair. I don't want bullshit umpiring decisions deciding games, and all they're doing is adding more and more grey areas to fix this perceived problem of "low scoring". As sports become more and more professional, teams get better. And better teams tend to translate to better defensive structures. So yes, you're going to see less scoring. If you don't believe this theory, look at the NHL too, it's also seen gradually lower and lower scoring, and they're also trying to fix it. Personally I'd rather sports stop trying to reminisce on old times, and embrace the new times. Low scoring is not necessarily bad.

[@FootyA2Z]

very well said! 100% agree

[@highperformancebodywork3542]

holding the ball, push in the back, deliberate out of bounds, and flopping need to be addressed.

[@LodgicalThoughts]

yes sir. needs to be crystal clear for the umpires. There's no reason to make their job more difficult than it already is.

[@Pineapple123Gaming]

@@LodgicalThoughts Nar they just need a set of glasses

[@paulmaetaga6934]

Spot on

[@kylecurphey8561]

I think true footy purists don't mind the slow build to a goal or the game of chess that occurs off the ball

[@FootyA2Z]

100% agree, love a tactical arm wrestle (surprise, surprise)

[@steventapp1375]

The AFL is like a 14 year old boy who can’t stop playing with it.

[@ollieoj6949]

loooool

[@BorkenGarage]

Yeah and they are making a fcking mess all over themselves....

[@Rainspraytay]

Another interchange cap reduction..... Wonder if we're gonna see an increase in soft tissue injuries as a result.

[@JimmyRaptis]

Add to that list size reductions playing a factor. Some teams will struggle to field one by the latter half of the season.

[@Rainspraytay]

@@JimmyRaptis yep, not lookin forward to seeing how the pies fare this season, with our list as cooked as it is currently

[@MasterofMayhem1394]

Great vid once again guys! Although the ending seems to be setting up for a depressing sequel :/

[@alimerhi5621]

Most underrated afl KZbinr by far. Also amazing editing

[@Ebag981]

love your videos man, they keep me up to date with the afl.

[@FootyA2Z]

Thanks dude, Glad you like them!

[@brentonhall4555]

Thanks for that simple & clear explanation fellas! 👏👏👏👍👍well done !!

[@FootyA2Z]

Our pleasure!

[@robbiebarker9451]

Awesome content, thanks mate! Looks like you might’ve taken some inspiration from Tifo Football which is perfect because the format is concise and easy to interpret

[@rickyjones2346]

Great vid got a new subscriber👌🏼🤙🏻

[@tykoon.]

excellent videos mate, top tier

[@MrNSTR3910]

The Tifo of Aussie rules? Damn this channel was a good find!

[@sharky146]

Another great vid!

[@turbonerdo6838]

"How do we make our sport more enjoyable to watch and higher scoring?" "Let's increase the fatigue of players, which decreases skill and increases skill errors, making fans of both sides frustrated as their team continued to fuck up and look unprofessional as the game goes on." How the fuck is making players more fatigued going to increase scoring? Set shots are already bad enough in the current era, players being tired makes that worse, not better. I like the first half of the man on the mark rule, the 1 metre. Though it should be enforced the same as the original man on the mark rule, where players are given warning to move back, because paying 50 immediately for that is once again a mistake But the second half will not help at all with decreasing congestion. The other two rules are not tweaking, they are doubling down. Previous changes did not impact the game like they hoped, so instead of admitting their heirs were flawed they promise us scoring will definitely improve if they just change the numbers a little more, rather than accepting the logic behind the original decisions was false.

[@jpchris96]

I think you're looking at the fatigue thing the wrong way - good coaches will adapt, and game styles won't rely on fatigued players hitting difficult targets - instead we may see more stay-at-home forwards dominating marking contests or outside players in open space due to the decrease in overall pressure. A rushed kick is just as difficult if not more so than a kick under fatigue. I think the decrease in interchange rules are the best ones we've seen, they will directly effect the way the game is played without extra pressure on the already tough job the umpires have.

[@BlackGateofMordor]

@@jpchris96 "good coaches will adapt" They already have. Before the interchange cap was brought in, interchanges were going up and up (alongside scoring going up and up) and were averaging over 130 per game in the late 2000s. The cap has resulted in tired players that cluster around the ball to slow down the game to give themselves a chance to rest. Hence nowadays, your best chance at goal is to rest one player back and one forward, have everyone else cluster around the ball, and run very fast with it once you get a clearance. The name of the game isn't ballskills, it's forward movement - which is exactly Richmond's gameplan. The cap should be scrapped.

[@mickb650]

Completely agree. Fatigue plays a huge role on how accurate a forwards shot at goal is. Forwards of the old days were more accurate than modern day forwards partly cause they didn't have to run 15k's a game

[@thechemistamvs5033]

"We took away the need to bounce the ball to make the game faster" Not long -.-

[@zleangel9823]

love the vids

[@sebvicencio7000]

same

[@michaelstaunton6946]

Loving the content! So after 20 rounds of footy with the rule changes, how about a follow-up video to evaluate them!?

[@_dreko]

I want the quarters to go back to the full-time, maybe even longer, and no limit on the interchange. Man on the mark changes sounds interesting, not sure if I would've changed that myself, but keen to see how it works out.

[@simonlawrenson9396]

Interchange caps will not achieve decongestion, the main impact we see on the game from fatigue is generally inaccuracy in front of goal. The motm rule sounds impossible to officiate. If the AFL want to clear congestion they need to review prior opportunity and HTB.

[@drewzy_]

Elite as always lads

[@FootyA2Z]

Lad

[@tommair5783]

Hey guys, love the content- just wondering how you make the graphics?

[@FootyA2Z]

Thanks Tom, we make the graphics in adobe illustrator. So they’re all vector art :)

[@TomMarvan]

Another great video. I really think we are making it unnecessarily difficult for the umpires to police the game. Remember the 80’s when players were forced to kick over the mark? Scoring was much higher then. These new changes are the opposite to those rules. In any case, it’s a furphy. The reduction in scoring has been perpetuated by the elimination of specialist goal kickers in favor of more midfielders (due largely to the expansion of the interchange bench - the crux of the whole problem, really), and the introduction of the 30 second rule. It’s like fast food: the choice of having it done quickly over having it done right. Go back to 2 interchange players, 2 field umpires and 25 minute quarters and it will fall back into place, as the coaches’ opportunities to work all angles in the shadow of another new set of rules is eliminated. Go Saints!

[@sunburntbulb4384]

Love your videos The rotations and kicking out of the back half don’t really bother me bc I don’t see it changing too much of the game. The 1m rule personally bugs me bc I think that players should be given full reign over where they stand on the mark (as long as it’s outside of the protected area). And while it does open up the fat side when kicking in, all a team needs to do is put a player in that spot to stop that. The no switching players on the mark is really doing the opposite of what it’s supposed to do (AND I HATE IT). As stated in the videos it ties up the mid in their backline, literally the first thing I and anyone would think is get back to cover for the defender. And as players see this there will more likely be more than one player trying to cover for the defender on the mark which further adds to congestion. (Sorry if this para is hard to follow). All in all this is the dumbest rule ever.

[@jarrodyouings]

Nice vid

[@FootyA2Z]

Thank you!

[@Philsta007]

What a nightmare it must be to umpire in the AFL. Is there any other sport on Earth where the governing body drastically changes the rules literally ever year? Also, I disagree with the assumption that fans want more scoring. It is the broadcasters who want more scoring as every goal is an opportunity to shove more advertising down our throats. Some of the most entertaining games are NOT particularly high scoring. Also, as the video suggests, these changes are unlikely to work anyway. The ONLY rule change which would open up the game would be to reduce the number of players on the field though this also seems to be the only one the AFL doesn't consider.

[@Francisah]

I want more scoring. Low-scoring games are boring as shit.

[@Philsta007]

@@Francisah Nah, some of the best games have been low scoring.

[@Francisah]

@@Philsta007 Nah, some of the best games have been high scoring.

[@analogueanomalies]

@Soussy 2005 GF, 2011 PF, 2010 Drawn GF

[@Matt-fg6xq]

The only rule I want to see added is making sure the player on the mark can not grab or hold the player who has earned the kick at all. This will allow them to get back off the mark and move the ball quicker

[@FootyA2Z]

we definitely see too much of this

[@newsgetsold]

6:45 love the graphic to depict congestion.

[@dabluse3497]

I'm really tired of constant rule changes to make the game higher scoring, even though higher scoring does not necessarily mean better games. Plus, these rule changes won't even increase scoring and may lead to unintended consequences (more injury, lower skill, more controversial umpire decisions etc.)

[@AusTerranX]

Move to do with "More goals = more add breaks = more $$$"

[@RobertBatchelor]

The AFL Commission makes these changes all the time because they believe it improves the *product* and not the *sport* itself or they want to control how the game is played and not let it evolve.

[@suewinston-elliott2674]

Bring back 20 min quarters 👍👍

[@thechemistamvs5033]

I think they will. That was just because the players pre-seasons were interrupted by covid.

[@grantknott]

@@thechemistamvs5033 Were their pre seasons interrupted by Covid though? Their pre seasons were over before COVID hit the mass media and politicians. There was never a need to reduce it to 16 minutes. Absolute madness. No reason whatsoever. Players in the whole were super fit to play the normal 20 minutes. Covid fixation and stupidity appears not just to the politicians and some parts of the media but the AFL as well

[@clintirvine9495]

Im not in any way suggesting I would want to see the following but if the AFL wants to remove congestion around the ball than they need to keep forwards in the forward 50 and defenders in the defensive 50 and the mids/wings running hard and both ways between the arcs. All these new rules do nothing statistically. Introducing fatigue into the game? Give me a break! As a footy fan do i want to see Dusty or Danger running on fumes? Or do I want to see guys going at 100%? The one rule I would like to see is the last touch out of bounds rule as used in the SANFL. That also removes the whole "deliberate" out of bounds decision from the umpires and gets the ball moving quickly back into play.

[@AussieTVMusic]

I don't want more scoring. I just want a contest. Also if they want the game to open up just get the umps to ball it up sooner than they do now before a scrum forms. That's the whole point of the ballup anyway. They seem to have forgotten this.

[@benstar1024]

Just outa curiosity mate will you be doing a fantasy team vid?

[@FootyA2Z]

We hadn't planned on it but what would you want it to be on if we did. you've got us curious :)

[@benstar1024]

@@FootyA2Z Hey mate maybe like chuck up a fantasy team of like young guns, guys to watch out for or just like your picks of who you would have in your team maybe some stats from last year something like that, dream team hell popular aye!!!

[@aryan0433]

Love the AFL, from India

[@FootyA2Z]

Amazing! great to hear you're a fan of the game

[@trainco1643]

Honestly, enough with the rule changing. Just leave the game alone. Awesome video too btw 👍

[@FootyA2Z]

Thank you!

[@trainco1643]

@@FootyA2Z no worries mate, even though I’m 11 months late. But seriously I hope we won’t see any unnecessary rule changes for 2022. Just leave the game alone.

[@dougieboxell6505]

Great video guys, thanks for the update! Just one criticism - "in 2018, a team defending a kick-in was twice as likely to score as the team kicking out" is a meaningless stat. All it tells us is a team is more likely to score if the ball is in their forward line. Like, no shit. That said, love your work fellas, keep it up!

[@bobthellama6988]

no, it tells us that territory is more important than possession

[@cooperunderwood7482]

what is the zone thing about at the end. can someone please explain a little more.

[@FootyA2Z]

hey there! this is a rule being officiated in the combined VFL-NEAFL comp next year. it requires each team to have at least 3 players inside each 50m arc at every stoppage for the duration of the match. the AFL are essentially trialling it on the second tier to see how things go... hope this helped :)

[@Hello-qd3uy]

Just more nit picking for the umpires. I think most will agree the best games are fair games so why make it harder for the umpires

[@FootyA2Z]

High scoring footy doesn’t always = good games. Fair and close games is a great call

[@Hello-qd3uy]

@@FootyA2Z Yeah as long as the games are good I don't care what the scoreline is

[@_dreko]

Agreed, they need to think of the simple things sometimes, like making the game as quick and easy to referee as possible.

[@planetX15]

@@_dreko There are no referees in the AFL, only umpires

[@dennishunt1590]

Put the quarters back to 25 minutes as they were pre 1994 and stop the time wasting, the quarters run for about 30 minutes average with time on. When the AFL changed the quarters to 20 minutes the quarters with time on still are on average 30 minutes still.

[@troyjackson9743]

These rule are in no way to increase fan interest. They are only implementing these rules to increase goals in order to increase ad revenue for 7 so they will get a better tv deal.

[@TheDirge69]

I was just about to comment this same thing. More goals=More ads.

[@fotogramma2398]

In my opinion it would be enough to close the central door with two horizontal poles. This way scoring would be much more difficult and the game would become more interesting.

[@ollywhelan5377]

I think that the no subs for the man on the mark will kill the game a bit more as the half backs and key defenders won't be as keen to push up the field to assist in attacking/ counter attacking so teams like richmond and geelong that often push their defenders from coast to coast will just tell them to sit back. This will be compounded with the interchange cap because the defenders will be more fatigued also so will have no incentive to move beyond half back

[@alexmurrayholmes]

I don't like the mark cannot be substituted rule. Everything else I'm okay with, but I feel like the no substitution rule does not let players play their role, and would hate to see a defensive intercept marker get stuck maning the mark when they should be drifting back

[@sophiecamac1830]

Why change the rules if it was going so well before?

[@TheOriginalFreak]

If rotation limits result in fatigue on defense, why would they think it would not also increase fatigue on offense, thus resulting in fewer scores?

[@mckenzienorie2651]

Coaches are way smarter than the rules committee, they will find a way around the rule changes. Watch the scoring drop or stay the same.

[@cameronruwoldt4536]

I can’t stress this enough: stop changing the rules!!!

[@Reeswoods999]

UNDERATED

[@FootyA2Z]

Spread the word ;)

[@WinByTKo]

I would think that attempting to add more fatigue to the game would negatively affect skill (such as accurate shots at goal) and increase injuries. One would have to imagine this is not the desired result.

[@but1z]

They need to remove the interchange caps. It’s nonsensical. Fresher legs = higher potential standard of play at any given moment and will inevitably lead to higher scores. Pressure increasing doesn’t necessarily correlate with lower scores. I think the more they tinker with it the more they ruin it. 2001-2015 was prime AFL, 2007-2011 specifically, pressure-style was successful yet scores were high and games were exhilarating.

[@tgbxfades2730]

Wasn't there a rule implemented that forces three forwards/backs to stay in their 50's?

[@Sherwoodians]

Only for VFL

[@jimmysteve9650]

The Sandslash was elite use

[@Pineapple123Gaming]

We used to have 200 point games ... maybe we should go back to them rules if they want higher scores

[@marcusjohn717]

AFL teams like to implement the same structure in the twos to make it easier for people coming in. With such strong zone rules this will be impossible.

[@FootyA2Z]

great point!

[@nickhanlon9331]

20 minute quarters please. If they cut the game back b 10% then I want a 10% reduction in ticket prices.

[@grantknott]

I thought they were automatically going back to 20 minutes? I didn’t think this was up for discussion but it doesn’t surprise anymore with the fixation of tinkering with this once great game of Australian Rules ( not AFL) so frustrating

[@srensburg133]

I’ve always thought immediately throwing up and throwing in would speed it up. Have more boundary umpires. As soon as they get it throw it in even if no one is there. Once it hits the ground it’s fair game. This stops teams setting up on stoppage. Umpires don’t nominate they just pay a free if two players from the same team go up. Relax the out on the full especially on quick kicks out of defence.

[@FootyA2Z]

the problem with rules like this is it undermines the role of rucks. Can definitely appreciate the point you're making though, although i think if it came to this they would probably just make every out of bounds a turnover

[@headsuphats6692]

there is no rule that the mark has to be manned . so all you have to do is stand a foot away from the mark and this will allow the player to move anywhere but "over"

[@Chopperducky]

Kick in rule won't do much, man on the mark rule has potential, but as pointed out, they need to figure how how they are going to CONSISTENTLY umpire it. Just get the man on the mark to have to literally stand right on it, don't give them a meter either side to make it easier for the umps. Likewise crack down on players running off their line. Still think if they really, truly wanted to get rid of the congestion they simply just need to start pulling the players up on all the holds and pushes that are let go. Half the reason we have congestion is because blokes are being tackled before they even grab the ball.

[@steveaxel3530]

Whilst still good, I find your half head McLachlan and no face cox (0:52) better than your Buddha (1:38) Good vid tho 👌

[@azandberg]

That's not Garry (Buddha), that's Steve Hocking - two different people. Steve is literally the faceless man ruining the game.

[@brandongardiner7588]

The idea that more fatigue = more scoring seems flawed to me. It’s not just the defensive team that will be fatigued, the offensive team will too naturally. Thus equalling less disposal efficiency and let’s run and carry. Fatigue from my view generally results in slow scrappy football and repeat ball ups.

[@SP-free]

This is getting so ridiculous that one day the Full Back will be about to kick out and the man on the mark will have to run back to the centre circle. The AFL are peanuts when it comes to understanding that they are just creating issues further upfield by freeing up the Full Back.

[@FootyA2Z]

or the goal square reaches the end of the 50...

[@thanoooch]

The whole fatigue thing makes no sense to me. If players are more tired then they will be less likely to run the ball through open space and will likely just kick it to a contest anyway.

[@paulmaetaga6934]

For me it’s not the scoring that’s the main problem even though some soccer games were higher scoring then some AFL games last year it’s the rugby rolling mall that kills it for me ...I see week in week out everyone is within a kick of the ball sometimes if you lucky you get a couple of players a kick and a half from the ball

[@BabblingBooby]

The new man on the mark rule is insane requiring more on the spot interpretation from the umpires already under the pump.....

[@lukeclarke8054]

AFL need to relax it’s come to a point where it’s science rather than footy. Just let the coach do his job for his team and the players do what they do best.

[@LifeOfTz]

Cool

[@dougieboxell6505]

Correlations are always a dangerous thing to infer from, but such is the case with sport, that's all we have to go on. Based on the info provided here, I don't know why these rule changes have been made. Also, fatiguing players more = more scoring?? What flog concluded that?? I've got a bachelor's degree in exercise & sport science, but it doesn't take fucking Einstein (or stephen dank?) to figure out more fatigue = worse play. I'm not even sure fans want more scoring if the performance of players goes down hill, but I could be wrong. I've always seen "more scoring = good!" as fairly stupid, mostly because of that reason - i'd just rather better game quality, and that's not quantified by more goals kicked, but rather, less unforced errors. Alas, I am one person, and like any good business - give the people what they want.

[@rumbear101]

this has never been about what the "fans" want. this push by the afl to increase scoring is purely money related. more scoring = more adds = more money 7 has already tried combating it by putting adds around the out side of the screen during play

[@afez2752]

I like the idea of a netball style zoning system though you would probably need more umpires to enforce it.

[@FootyA2Z]

probably 4 lines-people. 2 at either end of each 50

[@jazw]

No more Mason on the mark :(((

[@kevsmagpies1306]

I rather have Mason Cox standing on the mark than a smaller defender it’s a good tactic try and kick over a taller opponent

[@KingoftheHill63]

Mason on the goal line tho

[@xavierpravednikov8012]

I don’t understand these rule changes. I liked the slower pace compared to something like the nba. I would rather see a score once a quarter rather than once every two minutes if it means the quality of what happens inbetween the goals is better. Also teams like Melbourne demons (my team), that rely on creating a lot of pressure around the ball are gonna suffer as well because they want to allow less pressure in general.

[@xavierpravednikov8012]

Also as someone who umpires, there’s already enough stress with trying to umpire the game before all these rule changes now it’s just gonna be harder, and result in more people badmouthing the umpires cause of the AFLs confusing rules

[@stevecini2964]

AFL. Needs to keep backline players in there. 50 arc. Forward players in there arc. Hitting goal post. Back into play. Play on. Like in soccer. Rugby league Rugby union. Only hitting behind post on the full. Out of bounds. Hitting goal post going into goal. 6 points. Going into behinds. One point

[@jecos1966]

In the Good Old Days Quarters where 30 minutes long and big scores

[@beefrandon8776]

Everything is fine except man on the mark changes

[@SP-free]

Any sport that tries to ‘fatigue’ its elite athletes at the highest level in feature games (and every AFL game is a featured game because it has the ability to showcase our game to the world) has lost its way. A game played free of congestion is impossible unless the field size is infinite and the players are limited. This ‘congestion’ myth is a made up mirage from theatre going Football pundits and complainers in the Media. The game has never been better. Leave it alone and stop trying to handicap the elite athletes of our game.

[@Xsor]

Say the guy who goes soccer is so great you make me aick

[@TheDeltaStation]

Not going to lie. Its rather disappointing to see all these arbitrary rule changes which seem like they will decrease the quality of the game. Also changing the way the is played. Good high pressure footy, close games, fair calls from the umpires is good. I dont know where the AFL get their stats that people want to see over 100 points in a game. So stupid. The AFL mainly have to clear up 50/50 umpire calls. That should be there highest priority. Clean up the holding the ball call, was it no prior, was it incorrect disposal, was it contact below the knees, was it a high tackle, was it he ducked. So many ways the call could go and its not uncommon to see more missed calls turn a game then calls paid. AFL arent looking in the right places for rule changing and clearing the game up. Frustrated!

[@Young_SlayerKO]

What about the 90 meter rule

[@rahmcgah5144]

Teams will just continue to adapt to the game changes to the point where the AFL will just reduce the amount of players on field. Give penalties for holding up gameplay when not returning the ball to the marking player and itl be a good start to speeding things up. Currently players just pretend not to know who's ball it is or simply stand over it and wait for their sode to get back ino position.

[@trilogy10100]

They should bounce the ball straight away when the ball is brought back to the centre instead of umpire waiting for the adds to finish.

[@luisthornton2676]

What about the draft

[@zach6800]

I feel like the casual fans are starting to dictate the game more than ever. “More scoring opportunities” sounds like something a 10 year old would say. Just goals goals goals. Footy is already quite a high scoring game when you look at soccer or rugby. How high scoring and forward friendly does it need to be before they are happy?

[@suewinston-elliott2674]

Interchanges 90 to 75 makes it more a young mans game ?

[@AussieTVMusic]

The new MOTM rule is just pointless because a player doesn't have to man the mark. he could just stand 5m inboard off the mark.

[@mrpuniverse2]

GAME OVER Let the take over of Soccor and basketball begin. More 50 metre penalties for when a blade a grass moves off the mark. No guts to fix the three rules that have been contentious for years i holding the ball deliberate and flip floppers. Too hard Mr Hocking for his brain to work out. They never listen to fans and when the ratings and memberships drop off they will come with begging bowls. Stop fucking with the game. It's like a cold sore to them they have to pick pick pick. I know for sure my team will probably get the record for most 50 meters in a season. It wil not increase scoring and i have yet to remember any AFL that has won a flag kicking sideways and backwards which these rules will only encourage. Great vid tho and well explained

[@jpchris96]

A lot of the comments below have already picked up on it but I can't see the manning the mark rule change being even remotely successful. There will be premiership points awarded because one player doesn't leave a marking contest fast enough and the umpire will say there are two men on the mark. How many rules are there up for interpretation in our game already? Deliberate out of bounds, holding the ball, protected zone, sliding below the knees, allowed to push a bloke in the back to hold space but not create it! This isn't even talking about the arbitrary distance between bounces or distance the ball was kicked before awarding a mark! 10m? 15m? 12.7362m? How on earth can we expect the umpires to be able to be fair and correct decisions when there are this many rules? On top of that with more than 1 field umpire on the ground we are already going to have some inherent inconsistency when it comes to interpretation of the rules! Strip it back, reduce interchanges to 10 per quarter not including blood-rule or concussion concerns and go back to the way the game has always been played! If you get tackled and drop the ball pay a free! Don't pay holding the ball just because someone is trying to take clean possession!

[@BlackGateofMordor]

Ludicrous, you'll kill the players if rotations are lowered any further. Scrap this stupid rule and let the game go back to the great skills it was a decade ago when the players could actually get a rest instead of forcing it via congestion.

[@ZakDefend]

Haha, very ominous ending.

[@graemeschubert6162]

Long as we still have a contact sport instead of pingpong tennis sport

[@stefchemacrae5540]

After overwhelming pessimism in the original comments, do any other fellow time travellers want to share their view of these changes?

[@normcummins2719]

How about they go back to a two man interchange?

[@Jackripster69]

An early injury gave the other team too big an advantage.

[@nicholasgunson2945]

When will the AFL learn that their rule changes won’t increase scoring. Every year we here “we’ve added this rule to increase scores”. It never works. Just let the game adapt. Eventually it’ll go back to high scores

[@shanerobinswpr7027]

Yep i can see it know...one best things about our game is no actual zones any player can go to any part of the ground.....You all know whats coming the FUCKED UP OFF SIDE RULE...that in my view only punishes the play maker. When this happens not if i'm out, the game can goto hell for all i care....AFL 2025....Zones/off side a player will not be able to leave his zone for his position so what wil happen is our once great game will become a huge kick to kick like at dinner time at school.

[@spindoctor6385]

The man on the mark rule is ridiculous, it is unworkable. There is no rule that says a player must stand on the mark in the first place, so is this an exclusion zone Behind the mark ? What if the player on the mark stays in place but another player who is not "on the mark" stands at the angle? At best it is stupid at worst it will be used by umpires inconsistently and wreck games.

[@westwalk9953]

“Fans want the game opened up” is the biggest load of shit coming from the media, no fan says this. The broadcaster is pushing this because they want more advert revenue $$$ Game was absolutely fine in 2018, just look at the gf. Was literally no need for the 666 rule and the other rules (no more kicking to yourself when kicking out ect)

[@lukeparon6213]

bring back 3rd man up