AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan Press Conference
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan speaks to the media during a press conference at AFL House on July 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The AFL is set to return to 20-minute quarters for the 2021 season, not opting to continue with restricted game-time as seen this season, perĀ AFL.com.

The league decided to lower quarter lengths to 16 minutes for the 2020 season, with condensed fixturing in place due to the impacts of COVID-19.

The AFL has long hinted at a return to the traditional quarter durations, with the decision confirmed on Thursday.

The half-time break will run for 20-minutes, while the quarter-time and three-quarter-time breaks set for six minutes each.

The league has also lowered time between goals, with the gap being reduced to 50 seconds down from 60.

Floating fixtures are set to remain in place for the 2021 season

The AFLW have also confirmed a number of drastic changes ahead of next season.

The league is set to scrap it's two-conference structure in favour of a single ladder between all clubs.

AFLW games will be ticketed for the first time in 2021, with adults paying $10 for entry, while anyone under the age of 18 will be permitted entry for free.

The season is set to begin on Thursday, January 28 with the league fixture to be released on Friday.