500-game AFL umpire Brett Rosebury has thrown his support behind the introduction of a 'captain's challenge' into matches.
The concept would likely allow clubs at least one unsuccessful challenge of an umpire's decision, much like in the NRL or at professional cricket levels.
A challenge made by a club, its captain or an elected on-field player would potentially see mistakes made by umpires reviewed before the decision is reversed.
While Rosebury is "open" to adding in a 'captain's challenge', the all-time games record holding match official said the league would need to thoroughly explore the impact further stoppages could add to an already highly-officiated game.
"It would be a big change, I know it's been discussed. Scott Pendlebury has discussed this on many occasions," Rosebury toldย 6PR.ย
"I'm open to clubs or the captain having one challenge per game that they can keep up their sleeve.ย I'm not opposed to it. It's something that could be explored or looked at for how it would look for the game.
"But we make lots and lots of decisions per game. It's not like other sports like soccer, cricket and rugby who don't have as many infringements as us.
"... The AFL is always looking to invest and produce the best product of the game it can for the fans. So with any innovation that can help get things right more often than not (is welcomed), as long as it doesn't slow down the game."
Following a successful trial period, the NRL approved the introduction of the captain's challenge ahead of the 2020 season, with a captain or elected co-captain able to challenge a decision which involved a structured restart of play.
NRL captains could not challenge a call where the referee allows play to proceed.
With just over a month out from the 2024 season, it's unlikely the AFL would introduce in-game challenges for clubs, which have been discussed at length after Adelaide missed out on a potential top eight finish last year due to a Ben Keays goal that was called a behind without a review by the umpire.
The AFL hasn't brought in any new rules for the coming season, making life easier for its umpires.
"It's made pre-season a little bit easier," Rosebury said of the lack of rule amendments.
"We haven't had to drill down into too many different interpretations or changes. At the moment, no changes have come through from the AFL or the AFL Commission at this stage.
"We're just continuously working through all of the vision from last year and trying to improve in any areas we've got opportunities to."
Rosebury became just the second V/AFL umpire to officiate 500 matches, bringing up the milestone in Round 18 last year in a match between Collingwood and Fremantle.
