AFL may up bench cap to six

AFL coaches could still be granted their wish for extended interchange bench numbers this year but will have to wait until just before the season restart for a decision.

With benches normally capped at four players, several vocal coaches have led calls for that limit to be increased to six.

Some coaches, including Brisbane’s Chris Fagan, have argued short preparation after the COVID-19 shutdown could increase injury rates.

They believe an interchange increase will aid the health of club lists.

AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking yesterday confirmed the league was weighing up whether to add one or two more interchange players, which could increase team lists to as many as 24 on match day.

“We’re still considering that and it’s the only thing we’re considering as a final amendment to the game (before the season restarts),” he said.

Rotations will remain capped at 90 per team.

Hocking said shortened 16minute quarters, plus time-on, would remain.

West Coast captain Luke Shuey welcomed the move to shorter quarters.

“We want to see more of Buddy Franklin and Joel Selwood and Scotty Pendlebury and maybe with shorter games we can get a couple of extra years out of these guys,” he said.