AFL coaches are backing the league to ditch the centre bounce, conceding that the tradition places an additional burden on umpires.

The AFL has introduced four field umpires for the 2023 season, but many are still reportedly eager for the league to scrap the bounce and the pressure that goes with it.

Speaking on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon admitted that sticking with the bounce may be costing the league umpires, with umpires throwing the ball up instead potentially a more suitable option.

"My issue is it costs you some good umpires," Lyon said.

"When you talk to the umpires, [they say]ย there's good umpires that don't get in because they can't bounce.

"It's hard enough to get umpires as it is."

The AFL is already facing issues in gaining and retaining umpires at all levels, with community footy facing an umpire shortage. The league has identified abuse as a key reason for dwindling umpire participation, trying to stamp it out at senior level by tightening rules around dissent and umpire abuse.

Geelong coach Chris Scott agrees that umpiring should be made easier, conceding that the game is difficult to officiate.

"I can't come up with a sport where it's harder to umpire or referee than our game," Scott said on AFL 360.

"A pretty good guiding principle is:ย 'Let's make it as easy for them as possible'."

The discussion between the two coaches comes amid a weekend that saw umpires gain extra scrutiny in the final moments of North Melbourne's win over Fremantle, in which a deliberate out-of-bounds free kick was not paid as the umpires deemed the siren sounded before the ball crossed the line.

While there was quick feedback from media and pundits alike, the AFL ticked off on the decision the following day.