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AFL could trial rule changes before end of season

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

THE AFL is weighing up whether to consider a trial of rule changes in three games before the end of the current season.

League boss Gillon McLachlan told Melbourne radio station SEN it was important to see how the changes would operate in an actual fixture.

“(We are) certainly thinking about it,” McLachlan said.

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McLachlan said the games used would not be those in which finals contenders were involved.

One of the games which could be used in the trial is Fremantle’s round 21 clash with Carlton at Optus Stadium, although the Dockers still have a slim chance of making the top eight.

“I can tell you that there’s three fixtures on consecutive weekends that I don’t think will have any bearing on the eight, as we stand today,” McLachlan said.

“I know enough to know there’s fixtures available to do it and we’re certainly discussing whether that’s appropriate, and the emerging view is that I think it is.

“You get to see it in real time, in a game, with four points, with a win and loss on the end of it.”

Some of the rule changes being discussed at AFL headquarters include fixed starting positions at centre bounces to reduce congestion, a reduction in interchange rotations and a larger goal square.