AFL keeps interchange uncapped for 2013

Updated October 16, 2012 15:18:02

The AFL has delayed moves to introduce a cap on interchanges until 2014, but will bring in rule changes to open up play at stoppages next season.

The laws of the game committee had recommended a cap of 90 interchanges per match in a bid to bring down injury rates and tackle congestion of play.

However the AFL Commission decided at a meeting on Monday to keep an unlimited interchange system for the 2013 season with three players and one substitute.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the Commission was an independent body that took a big picture view of the game.

He said it had been decided to monitor the current system for one more year, and to implement a trial cap on interchanges in next year's preseason competition before making a final decision.

Changes that will be introduced include a ban on ruckmen making contact prior to throw-ins and ball-ups, a move away from bouncing the ball at stoppages around the ground, and the introduction of free kicks for forceful contact below the knees.

Umpires will throw the ball up at all stoppages except at the start of every quarter and to restart play following goals.

Rule changes for 2013:

Ruckmen will be separated at stoppages, with no contact allowed prior to throw-ins or ball-upsBalls will be thrown up at stoppages around the ground, with bounces used only at the start of quarters and after goals

Free kicks will be paid against players for making forceful contact below the knees of an opponent

The AFL has also identified six areas where interpretations of rules will be tightened:

Protected area around player with the ball expanded from two to five metresAwarding free kicks for in the back or high contact against players who lie on or sit on tackled opponentsStricter interpretation of holding the ball rule to penalise players who do not make a genuine effort to kick or handball (including dropping, throwing and placing the ball)Free kick against players dragging or pushing the ball back under an opponentFree kicks against players interfering with marking contestsCutting the time for kick-ins to five or six seconds, in line with limits on kicks around the groundTags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted October 16, 2012 14:26:03

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North keeps quiet on Daw suspension

Updated February 08, 2012 11:58:40

North Melbourne has suspended rookie Majak Daw indefinitely.

The club said in a statement on Wednesday Daw had breached team rehabilitation protocols.

The Kangaroos accused the 20-year-old of behaving in a manner unbefitting of the club's culture and expectations.

Daw will train with VFL affiliate Werribee Tigers until further notice, the club said.

"The club understands there will be great interest in the circumstances which led to Majak's suspension, but it is not in a position to elaborate," the Kangaroos said.

North said it would continue to support and work closely with the 195cm ruckman during his suspension.

Daw, who is the first Sudanese-born AFL-listed player, is recovering from knee surgery.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, north-melbourne-3051, vic, australia

First posted February 08, 2012 11:58:40

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Cassisi keeps Power captaincy

Updated February 10, 2012 16:24:57

Midfielder Dom Cassisi will captain Port Adelaide for a fourth straight season, with Hamish Hartlett the only newcomer in the club's five-man leadership group.

Travis Boak has been promoted to vice-captain, while 21-year-old defender Jackson Trengove, who shared the club's best and fairest award with Boak last year, remains part of the group.

The other member is key forward Jay Schulz.

Coach Matthew Primus said Cassisi, 29, remained a stand-out choice as skipper.

"Dom keeps developing his leadership skills every year and he really stood tall both on and off the field last season in what was a very challenging year," he said.

"He's got the ultimate respect of the playing group, the coaches and everyone involved at our club so it was a unanimous decision.

"We're looking forward to supporting him as he continues to grow and develop in the role."

Cassisi said it was good to have some youngsters supporting him, with Hartlett and Trengove both 21.

"I'm extremely excited about the young leadership group I'm going to have around me," he said.

"I know we're going to be able to drive the culture and behaviours that we need and expect at the club."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, port-adelaide-5015, sa

First posted February 10, 2012 16:23:53

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Voss keeps the faith in Lions

Posted May 9, 2011 19:36:00

Besieged Brisbane coach Michael Voss will be disappointed if he is denied the chance of rebuilding the once mighty AFL club.

The Lions' favourite son is in the third and final year of his coaching contract and another deal is in doubt after a horror start to the season.

The side has not won this year and their 0-6 ledger is the worst opening in Brisbane's history.

Adding salt to the gaping wound is that the Lions have only three victories from their past 24 matches and another loss looms against Essendon at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Yet Voss remains determined he is on the right course to steer the side out of the murky depths and to prosperity.

"I would be (disappointed not to be here next year) because I reckon these are great blokes to coach and I enjoy coaching them," Voss said.

"I would certainly love to be their coach that's for sure.

"We are not here to sell 2-3 year plans, but what we are here to say is that we have got to improve our performances because clearly our members and fans expect to win and we want to.

"There has not been a time at the club, over my last couple of years at least, where we have been so firm in the direction we want to go, collectively."

Voss said he could not question the intent or dedication of his players although their eight-point loss to Gold Coast on Saturday was a low point.

"We have got to play them (the young players) and they will get better," Voss said.

"Where we are going to be successful is making sure we get these players through and we are committed to that plan and we are not going to change anything."

Voss said they may have won three matches had skipper Jonathan Brown not been felled with a serious facial injury during the round one clash with Fremantle.

But there was an upside to his skipper's absence after the Lions kicked 17 goals against the Suns which was the best return and highest score for the season.

"Browny not being here has forced our group to step up," Voss said.

"We are getting goals from other sources, so there are long term benefits in that."

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna has hinted he may rest project player Karmichael Hunt against Adelaide on Saturday as part of his rotation plan.

Hunt is one of only 10 players to figure in every Suns' match and depending on who is available, he may be asked to miss the Crows clash.

Adding to McKenna's selection dilemma is that he must find room in the side that beat Brisbane for the return of Campbell Brown from suspension. Young defender Seb Tape is also in line for a recall.

"The last two weeks he's actually got through without cramps which is a good sign, and he's getting a taste of playing on various opponents - talls and smalls," McKenna said.

"We like to rotate them when we can, so we have a ready made replacement and with Browny coming off suspension and Tapey coming back, there's a good opportunity (to rotate Hunt)."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

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