Weekly lineups could be increased to 23 players in 2021, with an addition player to be utilised as a concussion substitute, per AFL.com.au'sย Damian Barrett.
The concept comes as a request by a number of AFL coaches, who held in-depth discussions with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and football department boss Steve Hocking on Thursday.
According to Barrett, coaches believe a decision could be announced in the comings days should it receive backing from the AFLPA and the league's Medical Officers Association, with the final decision required prior to next Thursday's season opener.
Consideration being given to having 23 players per team this AFL season, the 23rd player being a โconcussion subโ. More on @AFLcomau
— Damian Barrett (@barrettdamian) March 12, 2021
The request would see AFL clubs continue to field 18 players along with a four-man bench, with a 23rd player available to replace a player that sustains a concussion mid-game.
The AFL has already moved in a proactive approach to prevent ongoing issues surrounding concussion in the league, extending the require days of assessment prior to a players return from a head knock.
Coaches pushed for 2 concussion subs yesterday. Part of the issue, is whether clubs would exploit it. Iโm not suggesting they would. But it could become a contentious issue in the middle of a game @7NewsMelbourne
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) March 12, 2021
Should a player suffer a concussion, they are to undergo a specialised recovery for 12 days prior to being announced fit to return.
