Leave bench alone: Players
The AFLPA wants the AFL Commission to reject calls for a change to the sub rule when it meets on Monday
THE AFL Players' Association has urged the AFL Commission to stick to the current three-and-one interchange system and resist a move to a two-and-two format.
With the Commission set to meet on Monday to discuss the future of the interchange system, Players' Association CEO Matt Finnis told AFL.com.au that fatiguing players by reducing the size of the interchange bench was not the answer to stopping congestion.
What do you think on the current interchange rules? Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the article
After just two seasons with the current system, Finnis called on the AFL to give it more time in order to truly analyse its impact on players.
"Players are concerned at the pace of rule changes occurring and would prefer the recent change to a 3:1 interchange structure to be maintained for a period which allows meaningful analysis of the intended and unintended consequences of the rule on both the game and its players," Finnis said.
He said there were a number of strategies which could be used to combat congested play, which had become a concern over recent seasons.
"To simply rely on increasing fatigue levels of players has many potential implications which require significant consideration.
The AFL is concerned about congestion in the game, with some believing it is linked with interchange rates.
The introduction of a 2:2 interchange system and/or capping the amount of rotations at 80 could be implemented as early as next season.
Players, including AFLPA president Luke Ball, have spoken out against a change.
"It's not for us to speculate as to the nature of recommendations being put to the AFL Commission," Finnis said.
"Suffice to say we trust they will reflect the consistent positions which have been communicated in detailed submissions by coaches, players, medical and sports science personnel."
Finnis' comments reiterate those made by AFLPA general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast last week.
Prendergast said the players were opposed to changing the three-and-one system, saying they were still adjusting to the demands of it.
The comments came just a day after the NAB Cup draw was released by the AFL for the 2013 pre-season.
An AFLPA spokesperson said the players were pleased to see a reduction in the draw, which now features a stand-alone Grand Final in the fifth week of competition.
"It is pleasing to see that the AFL have reduced the NAB Cup competition by a game for all bar two teams.
"We look forward to continuing discussions with the AFL regarding the length of the pre-season competition for further years."
Michael Whiting covers news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL