Freshly minted AFL football chief Greg Swann has already flagged his intentions to make multiple adaptations to the current rules of the game, including what the ruck battles will look like.
Data has indicated that only one in every five centre bounces does a ruckman jump, with the large majority stepping over the white line and engaging in wrestling.
Swann, who took on his new role at league headquarters last Monday, has already sighted areas of change that will provide clarity for the players, coaches, umpires, and most importantly, “the punters in the stands”.
“I’ve been really impressed by the amount of data in the AFL. In the centre bounce ruck contest, only 1 in 5 is a jump. The other four [contests], they walk across the line and wrestle,” Swann said on Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Brisbane CEO Greg Swann looks on during a Brisbane Lions AFL training session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Ruckmen like Nic Naitanui, whose aerial work and incredible athleticism saw rivals struggle to contain the Eagles superstar, as he literally jumped all over them in rucking duels.
But recent trends have seen that type of work all but gone.
“I think so. I don’t think it’s good for the game [to lose the ruck jump],” Swann added.
“When they do cross the line and grab each other, it’s like chook lotto when they blow the whistle, ‘Who is getting the free?’ Because they’re both wrestling, they’re both holding, and I think it’s going to stop.
“That’s something we’re going to look at. As a code, we haven’t been strong in communicating what’s going on. So, let’s put the stuff out there: if we make a decision, let’s explain it – if we get something wrong, let’s own up to it.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 5: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles contest a bounce with Justin Westhoff of the Power during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
He also flagged a review of the father-son, NGA, and academy rules amid growing concern that they’re skewing the draft. He acknowledged the AFL can refine free agency compensation to better support struggling clubs.
“It’s up for discussion.  I think overall, the drafting – now with NGAs, northern academies, and father-son combinations – is getting away from the spirit of the draft, which is to help the bottom clubs get the first pick and the best talent. Sometimes, the best talent is already locked away via those mechanisms,” Swann said.
“There are mechanisms within that, too. When you get a free agent and you lose a free agent, that nets off. So, there might be scope for bottom clubs to grab a free agent and still get the full compensation if they lose a player.”