Shaun Higgins has backed the prospect of increased interchange numbers or the re-introduction of substitutes, as teams prepare for more games with shorter breaks.
The AFL has proposed plans to play 33 matches in just 19 days from the end of July, meaning more physical demands for players.
“If we want to get out games at the highest quality level and we expect any players to back up in four days, then let’s put things in place that’s going to allow that to happen, and minimise any extra risk of injuries,” Higgins said on SEN.
“Injuries are going to happen because we play a contact sport and a sport that requires maximal effort at different stages, but if we can eliminate some of that risk by not exposing players to full-time games, with only four on the bench, and increase that to six or whatever it looks like, it’s something that needs to be looked at just for this year.
“It’s not to say it’s going to be in place for years to come … extreme circumstances at the moment might mean we go to six or seven on the bench, or two subs that come on after half-time.”
Higgins said ensuring players were performing at their best would make for a better product for those watching.
“Whatever it is (flexibility with interchange), we need to make sure the safety of players is there, but also allows it enables the spectacle to be as good as possible for fans at home,” he said.
“It’s not just one or two weeks … we’re talking that this could be six to eight games, and turnover of four days, five days, five days. Whatever it looks like it’s going to take a significant toll on the players.
“It also maybe exposes some good young talent as well, who are able to get a game away or a half away which normally they wouldn’t get the opportunity.
“We’ve just got to be open-minded; it’s all fine for now and in two or three weeks, it might not be an issue, but in five, six, seven weeks from now, what does it look like?”
On Wednesday, the AFL confirmed all Victorian teams would be based interstate for the remainder of the home and away season.
