The AFL has postponed a decision on whether to implement a substitute rule for 2021 until Wednesday, just one day before the season begins.
The footy world has been abuzz in recent days about the potential for the sub rule to be reintroduced, after it was removed at the end of the 2015 season.
Whether clubs would be able to use an extra player for concussion or for any injury has been the subject of much debate, with an official announcement now only expected hours before Thursday night’s season-opener between Richmond and Carlton.
“The AFL heads of football at each club and (AFL football operations boss) Steve Hocking were meant to start a phone (meeting) at 6pm and I’ve received word from a club that the meeting has been rescheduled until tomorrow," Sportsday’s Sam McClure reported on Tuesday night.
“This has now become a mess – tomorrow we are a day away from Richmond facing Carlton.”
Leigh Matthews believed there was another motive for the controversial rule to be reintroduced, saying clubs were worried about the injury toll with the game returning to 20-minute quarters.
“I’m going severe panic,” Matthews said.
“There’s a severe panic because after one weekend (of pre-season matches) when we have footy with 20 minutes plus time on, it’s panicked coaches and administrators.
“All this is all about the sub (rule) is to better maintain 22 versus 22 (fit players on the field), because I think they’re concerned enough about adjusting to the extra time during a (shorter) off-season.
“It’s absolutely about maintaining 22 versus 22 more often.”
