Nine Rule Changes for 2019

[you pick one]

There are lots of extremely stupid rules in the AFL but hands in the back was right up there, particularly as many players (and some umpires) seemed to think that it meant you were now allowed to push a guy square in the back as long as you used your forearm.

And me.

 

[you pick one]

Rohan down back might be a weapon under the new rule.

 

[winty]

What are the penalties for breaking these rules?

Hawkins gets a week suspension per transgression.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

If it is now so much easier for teams to kick in, what does that do to the pressure, lock-it-in-your-forward-half teams? Potentially rewards the WC, Geelong possession-style teams a bit more?

We'll need some good Forwards with fast snaffling the ball hands + the ability to kick a fast snap goal.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Hawkins gets a week suspension per transgression.

Oh don't winty! Please?

 

[Burro]

Hawkins gets a week suspension per transgression.

No rule change then.

 

[Burro]

OK, the ruck rule change. Ruckman takes the at the bounce....is tackled...no prior....so ball up again.....takes ball...no prior....ball up again....and so on. Did I get this right? great way for low teams to compete with better teams....nil all draw.

 

[goyoucatters]

A mark should only result from a kicked ball that has traveled more than 25 metres without anyone else touching it. It would create greater risk for the side wanting to play possession football and reduce the number of umpire calls of whistling and calling "hold, hold" while another dinky kick is created.

If the distance is to remain at 15 metres at least make sure that catching the ball after an 8 or 10 metre kick isn't called a mark. That's "play on!" and should be every time.

This x infinity.

For all the dross that congestion causes in the modern game, the inability of umpires to maintain the need for passes to travel further than my six-year old can kick on the full before they are called a mark is also a gigantic detractor from bold and attractive footy being played. If only the AFL could understand that 'keepings off' is a game that we all bypassed by age 11 because it was too dull and predictable

In my view, this one change in interpretation alone would seriously change the game for the better. Without the need for any other 'innovations'.

But instead we end up with a bunch of new rules that the umpires can and will fail to properly adjudicate.

Happy times.

 

[Sticksman]

The ruckman rule will benefit Stanley. For situations where the ball can't get cleared because a ruck hogs the ball the ump will do what they often which is pluck a free from their arse.