AFL hopes changes will be kicking goals

THE AFL says it has listened to fans and will introduce nine rule changes next year to produce more free-flowing football and make the game a better spectacle.

AFL general manager of football operations Steve Hocking said the new rules were shared with AFL coaches 10 days ago and were well-supported and he felt that fans would feel similarly.

“We have taken good care of the game and listened to what fans have had to say,” Hocking said yesterday.

“We’ve done extensive work in interviewing fans and it’s all wrapped up in this — it’s not about one individual looking after the game, it’s about a group of people.”

The changes come after a 10-month analysis of the game and consultation with current and past players, coaches, umpires and fans.

The tweaks are designed to arrest some of the low-scoring football of the past five seasons.

One notable omission is the proposed change to the goal square to 18m, with the AFL Commission instead introducing two rule changes that will give players more space and time at kick-ins.

Under the changes, the man on the mark will be positioned an extra five metres back at kick-ins and players will be able to play on from the goal square without first kicking the ball to themselves.

“We’ve advanced it beyond the 18m,” Hocking said.

“This option really challenges the defensive options within the game as there’s multiple options available to the player to be able to put the ball back into play.

“Not only have we covered off the ability to kick the ball a greater distance but you can also take the game on by stepping outside the goal square and playing on with freedom.”

Hocking said the “changes are about enhancing what’s great about the game”.