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).
The centre line rule
Imagine trying to explain this one to someone watching their first ever AFL match. Another pretty confusing one for players and fans is the centre line rule at centre bounces.
Rucks are forbidden to cross the centre line of the centre circle before engaging with the opposing ruck. It is almost impossible for rucks to not do this.
They need to juggle the run up, jump, engagement with the other ruck and then the tap of the ball in a certain direction is hard enough, let alone also needing to know where the centre line is.
As Melbourne skipper Max Gawn said during pre-season: "It's just literally two players jumping into each other and no real ruck craft at all".
Of course some clubs and players have benefited from this rule change such as Luke Jackson, Bailey Williams and Lachlan McAndrew. Others such as Darcy Cameron and Toby Nankervis are struggling.
Verdict: Red
