4 man interchange bench for SANFL

[Aerie]

Keep it at 3 I reckon. Some in the AFL now want more than 4 - how far do you go? Maybe to cover injuries you can nominate some players who have played reserves who can be substituted if there is a game ending injury?

[Ian]

When it was a stop - start game, reserves instead of interchange were all that was required to manage player welfare.

As the game's pace increased, 2 reserves became 2 interchange.

As the game evolved and the pace increased interchange was changed from 2 to 3, as were field umpires from 1 to 2 then to 3.

The faster the game gets and the more ground players are expected to cover, the greater the risk of injury, change it to 4 IMHO so that player welfare can be managed at an acceptable level.

[Big Phil]

Couldn't have said it better myself Ian

[Adelaide Hawk]

The faster the game gets and the more ground players are expected to cover, the greater the risk of injury, change it to 4 IMHO so that player welfare can be managed at an acceptable level.

Which uis exactly why I don't want the number increased. For some reason, there seems to be this attitude that the quicker the game, the better the game, and I see no evidence of it.

With increased speed, we have reduced the ability of players to exhibit skills and they are having to dispose of the ball quicker, causing a poorer spectacle.

You want player welfare, slow the game down.

[am Bays]

The faster the game gets and the more ground players are expected to cover, the greater the risk of injury, change it to 4 IMHO so that player welfare can be managed at an acceptable level.

Which uis exactly why I don't want the number increased. For some reason, there seems to be this attitude that the quicker the game, the better the game, and I see no evidence of it.

With increased speed, we have reduced the ability of players to exhibit skills and they are having to dispose of the ball quicker, causing a poorer spectacle.

You want player welfare, slow the game down.

What he said. If you want an increase in injuries increase the bench. Our players simply do not have the time as semi-professionals to cope/prepare for the demands of the extra speed of the game which would happen as result of an increase in teh bench as our game style would become even more like the 100 interchanges per team.

If Collins wants it, go back to Victoria or get a job in the AFL.

[Ian]

You want player welfare, slow the game down.

Good in theory but it will never happen

[doggies4eva]

Why not an 18 man bench - then we can call it gridiron

[Psyber]

Why not an 18 man bench - then we can call it gridiron

True and that is where it will go unless the exchanges per quarter at AFL level are capped.
At this stage I guess the SANFL may as well got to 4, even if they introduce the cap and let the AFL follow their lead later.
My only concern is can the SANFL teams afford the extra player at each level...

[Zathrus]

Three years time everyone will be crying out for five or six on the bench, because some team was hindered by injuries. Where does it stop. Specialist reserves? spare ruck, two spare midfilders, spare short forward, spare key foward, spare short defender, spare key defender..... Did someone mention gridiron

Unfortunately if you get injuries deal with it and play on. All clubs cop them at sometime and some of the most special and spirited victories have been when a team has fought on

[Interceptor]

Three years time everyone will be crying out for five or six on the bench, because some team was hindered by injuries. Where does it stop. Specialist reserves? spare ruck, two spare midfilders, spare short forward, spare key foward, spare short defender, spare key defender..... Did someone mention gridiron

Unfortunately if you get injuries deal with it and play on. All clubs cop them at sometime and some of the most special and spirited victories have been when a team has fought on

Well said. I don't mind if the SANFL goes to four, but four is enough at all levels.
Unfortunately, I can see the "substitute" idea coming in to the AFL given various coaches are "calling" for it.

[mickey]

Why not an 18 man bench - then we can call it gridiron

True and that is where it will go unless the exchanges per quarter at AFL level are capped.
At this stage I guess the SANFL may as well got to 4, even if they introduce the cap and let the AFL follow their lead later.
My only concern is can the SANFL teams afford the extra player at each level...

Given that every week there are players who miss out on reserves games and filter back to the local leagues, i doubt this would be too much of an issue. The 4th player in the A grade would more than likely be a fringe player anyway, with out a huge pay packet, and we all know how well the reserves players are paid....

[Dirko]

Unfortunately if you get injuries deal with it and play on. All clubs cop them at sometime and some of the most special and spirited victories have been when a team has fought on

Spot on. The Bays were down to 1 v North. and Rubbers told the blokes to dig deep, back their fitness and do the job. No complaints there.