With a number of factors stacking up against the bounce, is it time for the AFL to get rid of one of the game's more traditional intricacies?
On this week's episode of The Hitout, the discussion centred on the hypothetical of being able to change one thing in the AFL, with analyst Mitch Keating wanting the league to scrap the need for umpires to bounce the ball to restart play.
"Mine is getting rid of the bounce," Keating said.
"I like a lot of the traditional values (of the game) that footy still upholds, the parts of the game that are really unique, but there are way too many reasons stacking up (in favour of) getting rid of the bounce.
"The fact that players hate it, umpires hate it, coaches hate it... the only people that love it are the traditionalists.
"A big talking point this year is the length of games. Even if it's five seconds for an extra bounce, it adds up over time.
"A big talking point over the past week has been umpire contact. Dimma Hardwick had a pretty good point that bounces can almost take right turns and still be called play-on, meaning players like Matt Rowell are having to change direction and might collide with an umpire. That could lead to suspension.
"We couldn't have Ray Chamberlain umpire last year because he couldn't bounce it.
"I think it's time you get rid of the bounce. Ball it up. It's easier for ruckmen and it's easier to control."
Host Phoenix Trinidad agreed the bounce has become "pointless", but not tall ruckmen are against it.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn has been in favour of keeping the bounce, enjoying the "chaos" that skewed bounces can create.
"I know Gawny likes it. He enjoys the chaos of it. But the cons outweigh the pros," Trinidad said.
"People want to keep it for the sake of keeping it. I just think it's pointless. Just throw it up. You're throwing it up most of the time anyway."
Analyst Aidan Cellini believes the bounce should stay, with the game already going away from utilising the best abilities of ruckmen.
With rules changes for ruck contests and the increase in insufficient intent calls rising, the ruck role is "diminishing", according to Cellini.
"The ruck role is diminishing," he said.
"Deliberate out of bounds is turning into insufficient intent, and soon could be last touch (out of bounds).
"I like the separate nature of the rucks and all of the intricacies in that role. I like how they got rid of the third-man-up rule, because it allowed the two big guys to do what they do.
"The unpredictability of our game is what draws a lot of people to it."
You can watch the full episode of The Hitout via the player below, or on Zero Hanger's YouTube channel.
