As an industry, AFL fans and experts are forever debating the rules of the game and with nine new ones introduced in 2019, there’s plenty for players to adapt to this season.
In the wake of Steve Hocking’s positive assessment of the new rules on Tuesday, we’ve put it to several of the players as to which rule they favour the least.
CHANGES: The new rules for 2019
Rory Atkins: Having to bounce the ball whilst running
Luke Brown: Protected zone around a mark
Brad Crouch: The new advantage rule
Matt Crouch: New 50 metre rule
Tom Doedee: Deliberate, there’s too much of a grey area
Richard Douglas: Having 18 players on the field, it should be only 16
Darcy Fogarty: Push in the back
Jordan Gallucci: New 50 metre protected area because it’s too big of a penalty
Hugh Greenwood: No runner = no sense
Kyle Hartigan: Any that are bias to forwards, so all of them
Sam Jacobs: Holding the ball interpretation
Josh Jenkins: Blocking in the ruck. Guessing game for everyone
Chayce Jones: Deliberate out of bounds as it’s hard to keep consistent
Riley Knight: Dangerous tackle, because tackling is what makes our game and sometimes a dangerous tackle is an accident
Rory Laird: Push in the back
David Mackay: Protected space 50 metre penalty
Ned McHenry: Hitting the post. I enjoyed NAB Cup ruling where it was play on off the post
Wayne Milera: Contact below knees, no clear understanding
Lachlan Murphy: Rule 15.12.1: When a player intentionally hits the roof it’s a free kick against that player
Reilly O’Brien: 50 metre penalties with the restricted zone
Andy Otten: New 50m rule. Creates confusion and defies common sense
Myles Poholke: 10 metre protected area, just use common sense
Rory Sloane: It should be play on if the ball hits the post and stays in
Brodie Smith: All the rules that only get paid to forwards
Daniel Talia: Rush the ball beyond the square, give the backs a break