](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
AFL could trial player zones in next year's NAB Cup
In an attempt to ease congestion, the league could test a rule designed to ensure teams have a minimum number of players in each 50m arc at centre bounces.
A NAB Cup trial could involve teams being forced to have six players in each arc after goals, easing the mass of players crowding centre bounces.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said yesterday the players would not be required inside the arcs at all times.
"For NAB Cup, we've thought about whether you might do something like require it to be six in each forward and defensive 50," Anderson said.
"We already have that with the centre square to a certain extent - it's a zone."
The move has been mooted previously for a trial, with Leigh Matthews a strong supporter.
While the trial would serve to end centre bounce congestion, it would also stop players flooding back in the dying minutes of games.
It would potentially make the end of matches more exciting.
The AFL continues to be concerned about congestion and numbers around the ball.
Fans often complain the modern game has turned into Auskick, with players crowding stoppages in alarming numbers.
There has been talk of cutting the number of players on-field from 18 to 15, but keeping players in zone would have a similar effect in creating more space around the ball at centre bounces.
Anderson said it could be added as a trial for next year's NAB Cup.
