AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has shut the gate on a six-player interchange this season and shorter quarters beyond 2020.
The six-man bench has been heavily pushed by AFL clubs to give more players game time with the lack of state league action, but that isn't yet on the cards for the AFL.
โNot at the moment. Weโre staying flexible, if we need to weโre going to be able to be agile,โ McLachlan told 3AW.
โIf we need to compress games at the end of the year (we might need it), but at the moment (with) the reduced quarters, we donโt need (extended interchange benches).โ
With shorter quarters being the big talking point recently and many displeased with the idea of the notion moving forward beyond 2020, McLachlan confirmed the AFL isn't planning to play shorter quarters after the 2020 season.
โI donโt think so. Weโre looking at things all the time, but the 20 minutes to 16 is for the flexibility we need to get through this year,โ he said.
โOur broadcasters, our supporters, our clubs understand, but itโs not something weโre contemplating for next year.โ
