AFL News

AFL floats change to set-shot clock, 6-6-6 warning amid rule revision

A list of potential changes will be sent to clubs before Christmas.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

The AFL has reportedly sought feedback from senior coaches and football bosses on a host of potential rule changes, including removing the 6-6-6 warning.

In 2019, the league's powerbrokers introduced traditional playing positions ahead of centre bounces, following goals and the beginning of quarters.

With it came a warning if clubs weren't organised in time, which has had the potential to be exploited, forcing the adjudicating umpire to throw the ball up instead of bouncing it.

The increased predictability of where the ball lands creates an advantage for the dominant tap-ruckman in the competition but also adds unnecessary time to the game.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Bailey J. Williams of the Eagles and Marc Pittonet of the Blues contest the ruck during the round seven AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium, on April 29, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Calls have come for clubs to be penalised if not set up in time, which is understood to be one of many considerations AFL football boss Josh Mahoney has requested feedback on.

In a bid to create a more free-flowing game, the league is also looking into time spent with the ball following a free-kick or mark, according to the Herald Sun.

As it stands, players are given around six seconds to dispose of the ball before the umpire calls play on.

The league also wants to assess the viability of calling play-on earlier following a behind, as well as reducing the set-shot limit.

Players are given 30 seconds from when they are awarded a mark/free-kick to when they start their run-up toward goal. Mahoney is reportedly proposing a 20-second limit.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Harrison Jones of the Bombers sets up for a shot on goal during the 2024 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ruckmen could also be in the firing line regarding insufficient intent in ruck contests.

Currently, ruckmen are only penalised if they knock the ball out of bounds on the full but can hit the football toward the boundary without any punishment.

Mahoney has canvassed the notion that ruckmen could be held to the same standards, pending the discretion of the umpire.

The league is also interested in views on whether all free kicks after a goal should be taken in the middle of the ground, regardless of which team gives away the free kick.

Published by
Aidan Cellini