The AFL has announced a number of proposed rule changes in the wake of the Brayden Maynard tribunal case last year. Maynard’s smother on Melbourne onballer Angus Brayshaw in September resulted in Brayshaw being concussed, sparking concern over the incident and the tribunal’s subsequent ruling that cleared Maynard. The proposed changes include tightening rules around smothers, where players who jump off the ground to smother a kick or handball will be required to show a greater duty of care to the opponent to avoid high contact. Another change will address run-down tackles, and the league also wants to cut down on tribunal hearings in response to a dramatic increase in tribunal cases this year. Other proposed changes include clarifying AFLW finals rankings, banning coaches from the interchange bench for repeated breaches, and increasing club fees for tribunal hearings and appeals. Clubs have been given until January 19 to provide feedback on the preliminary proposals before they go before the AFL Commission for final approval in February.
