The AFL has introduced many new rules over the past few years to help make the game faster and more entertaining for the fans.
While some changes have improved the game, others have made it confusing and matches at times, difficult to watch.
Last weekend, in Round 16, there were numerous instances of confusing free kicks given and it was overall a very bland round of footy.
Because of this, I have decided to list some of the AFL's rules, especially the ones brought in this year, and rank them in three categories: Red light (needs to go!), green light (yes, can stay) and amber (caution/needs a tweak).
Interchange rules
Yes, interchange infringements do not happen often. However, giving one away could prove costly.
You only need to go back to Round 10 of the 2023 season when the Sydney Swans were given a free kick in the dying stages right in front of goal in their match against North Melbourne after the Kangaroos made a 76th interchange when leading by three points. Hayden McLean then went back and nailed a set shot giving the Swans a very bizarre victory.
This rule is fine. Yet, when Finn Callaghan was penalised Friday night for putting one foot outside the yellow marked interchange gates, resulting in a 50m penalty and certain Calsher Dear major, fans were left scratching their heads. The implications for this are just way too significant and I can't see why, like the 6-6-6 rule, clubs aren't given a warning.
What Callaghan did didn't provide the Giants with a significant advantage whatsoever and instead gave the Hawks an easy goal in a 14 point win.
Verdict: Amber
