Increase the Bench

[Bombs Away]

Saturday saw not for the first time year a side run out of legs because they had injuries.

The Hawks were down to 21 after 5 minutes and maximum 20 for a half.

2 weeks ago against the saints we were down to 16 or so fit players and that game was almost influenced by lack of rotations/flexibility and fit players.

The AFL must act to bring in something that players who play at bendigo (or whereever our affiliate is) can sit on the bench as emergency only and come on when players leave the ground that cannot take further place in the game. It would be best if the reserves played before the main games then they will have played some game time and not be so fresh (like what happens in some country leagues).

Having a curtian raiser game would be an incentive for people to get at the game before 1.30pm and stop all the chaos getting in and with trains.

These are just my thoughts....what are yours..

 

[Kaiser Powser]

How can they do it without clubs taking advantage of it by faking injuries to fix match-ups etc?

Obviously a player can only be substituted off with a serious injury, so to ensure this happens, anyone substituted off, cannot play the next week.

Can't see it happening though.

 

[Godzke]

Bay 13? Main board?

Injuries are part of the game ... deal with it.

 

[Tex_21]

I think this is a good idea. THen, when the going gets tough for Carlton, Judd, Murphy, Fev, Gibbs, Betts and 15 other spuds can all go to the bench. Also, Melbourne can just bench the whole side when they are trying valiantly to lose to the top side. Not just those getting a kick.

 

[Bombs Away]

How can they do it without clubs taking advantage of it by faking injuries to fix match-ups etc?

Obviously a player can only be substituted off with a serious injury, so to ensure this happens, anyone substituted off, cannot play the next week.

Can't see it happening though.

You are entering a tanking debate here with that sort of talk. Only talking major injuries, not a calf or sore foot, might only happen a few times a year. Players dont tank, selectors do.

 

[Virgil]

You are entering a tanking debate here with that sort of talk. Only talking major injuries, not a calf or sore foot, might only happen a few times a year. Players dont tank, selectors do.

A calf injury will usually end a player's night. Wouldn't that warrant substitution?

 

[Soul_Pie]

We should probably extend the bench to accomodate the fat arses of the Hawthorn players, Hodge alone takes up over half of it.

 

[Bombs Away]

A calf injury will usually end a player's night. Wouldn't that warrant substitution?

The rules would have to be worked out, but a calf injury can be faked, just like a hammy, its just my idea so games can be played out and the right result achieved. Sides with shorter benches are so disadvantaged in the modern game.