So each side must have at least two forwards in their respective forward line. I don't believe defenders have the same restriction. Perhaps
ant555 can correct me if I'm wrong.
What they use in the under 18 championships is two forwards and two defenders inside each forward 50 at all stoppages. Umpire at each end controls the 50. Players can lead out of the 50 in general play but when there is a stoppage there had to be 2 forwards and two defenders inside the arcs at both ends. Has worked really well and last year I think there was only 1 fee kick paid for outside the zone. During the game you hardly notice it is a zone other than there are players in that half of the ground for 90% of the game.
What it has done is allow forwards to play deep and lead up at the ball without running into congestion. There are more 1 on 1 contests in the forward half and the game does not look like a 18 on 18 basket ball game with tackling that is played on an oval. It looks more like a football game.
I would never have been in favour of zones but having seen this for a number of games it really does work and IMO actually makes the game better to watch.
To add another opinion for peeps to discuss. Reducing the interchange alone will not work. Coaches will not give up their press. What will happen is the demise of the KP players unless he can run a 14 beeper. Coaches will just tell recruiters not to draft anyone who can not get up and down the ground all day long. They will be looking to field a team of endurance athletes.