Booney wrote:The AFL will soon announce four field umpires for matches in 2023.
There won’t be any emergency field umpires so if there’s an injury, they’ll revert back to three.
Nine field umpires have been promoted ahead of next season, AFL will have a senior list of 40-42.
#moremaggots
They are trailing it in the NTFL this year. Last week was week one of four where four of the 2022 AFL umpires were flown up (including two of their coaches) to trial the new system.
In JH's words (#17) they're going to get "funky" with some of their positioning to be more boundary side so they making decisions that align with what the crowd sees and to free up the corridor.
Based on week one, get used to lots of free free kicks
Same argument is being used as going from two to three, will reduce the physical demands on umpires which will help keep the experienced umpires in the game longer. So, expect to see Rosebery, Stevic, Nicholls and Razor for a little while longer yet.