The AFL is set to reprise the role of the substitute in 2025 despite strong views from players and coaches to axe it.
The four-man bench with an additional sub - which was re-introduced in 2021 as a medical replacement - has been highly scrutinised for its place in the game.
Players such as Scott Pendlebury have previously slammed its existence, following a host of debutants utilised in the role.
“I couldn't imagine playing your first game and being the sub. Like, I think it's ridiculous," Pendlebury said earlier in the year.
“I'd love to make it five or four on the bench, I don't care, as long as it goes.”
In 2024, 76 players made their debut, with 20 starting on the bench when the first siren rang.
The substitute role has seemingly caused distress among senior players who coaches have opted to use in the position.
Former Western Bulldogs player Caleb Daniel played limited minutes throughout the recently finished campaign on seven occasions.
The Herald Sun reported that "Patrick Cripps, Darcy Moore and Sam Frost attended that rules summit and were strong in their dislike for the rule".
However, it is understood that the league believes the current setup is fair, combined with the interchange cap of 75 rotations and the capacity to replace an injured player.
