Results from the AFL Players Association poll have been released with just under nine out of 10 players saying the game didn't require any major changes.
The AFL have toyed with a number of ideas to reduce congestion around the ground, however, the players have responded emphatically with 86 per cent of players who completed the survey saying no changed was needed.
Just three per cent of players responded positively to reducing the number of players on the ground from 18 to 16 while a mere four per cent were in favour of zones - such as set numbers inside the 50m arc during stoppages. Additionally, only seven per cent would like to see the number of rotations reduced from 90.
AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said the feedback from the players was clear.
“The players believe the game is in good shape and don’t see the need for any fundamental changes to how it’s played or adjudicated,” he told the Herald Sun.
“There’s ongoing frustration with the constant changing of laws of the game, which we think is creating confusion for players, spectators and umpires.”
A handful of other key issues in the game were addressed with the players with varying results.
Players were unsurprisingly in favour of two byes in a season with 75 per cent suggesting two within the season while 15 per cent were happy with the pre-finals bye.
Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield said the Round 23 bye was somewhat irrelevant due to its timing.
“The Round 23 byes benefits less than half the clubs and is not a genuine break for those about to play finals,” he said.
“(Two byes) was fixtured in 2014 and we can’t see a reason why it shouldn’t return given the need to importance of player welfare.”
The much-maligned third-man up rule - which has been a contentious factor all season - received a mixed reception from the players. 24 per cent believed the rule had improved the game while 31 per cent agreed but said the nomination process had to be changed.
Players were split down the middle in regards to having four field umpires on the ground while three-quarters of the league supported an afternoon start time for the grand final.
72 per cent of players were happy to take the game outside of Australia (and New Zealand) while in a somewhat surprising result, 48 per cent of players were supportive of in-season player movement.
An overwhelming 85 per cent of players believed player wages should remain confidential with recently retired Saint Leigh Montagna believing a players salary should not become public knowledge.
“The scrutiny on players is greater than ever before and this is something that many players are struggling with,” Montagna said.
“Social media has no doubt intensified the focus significantly in recent years and I think making player salaries public would only fuel what can be absolutely brutal coverage at times.”
The centre bounce has come under increased scrutiny in season 2017 with several high profile members of the media calling for the bounce to be scrapped however the players are not of the same opinion.
32 per cent believed the bounce was 'very important' to the game while 22 per cent believed it was 'somewhat important'.
29 per cent said that they 'don't mind either way'.
Easton Wood said he believed that umpire welfare should be considered despite the centre bounce being "one of the unique aspects" of the game.
“If it’s resulting in injury to umpires or creating a barrier to getting the best decision makers into the game, then it should be reviewed,” Wood said.
700 players from all 18 clubs participated in the survey and Dan Hannebery, one of 13 AFL players on an AFLPA rules panel, said the players wanted more of a voice on future rule changes in the game.
“The players recognise the need for the game to evolve and that rule changes may be required to keep promoting the best characteristics of the sport,” Hannebery said.
“But as the ones putting on the show, we want to play a more active role in the process of changing or introducing a rule and have the chance to trial it in the pre-season competition before it comes into effect.”
