Barassi's bold bid to revitalise AFL
20 May 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Rosanne Michie
FOOTBALL legend Ron Barassi is so worried about the state of the game, he has written an emotional letter detailing his criticism to the AFL Commission and each of the 16 clubs' chairmen and chief executives.
Barassi, whose name is synonymous with AFL, has outlined where he believes the game has gone wrong and has delivered a 12-point manifesto.
BARASSI'S 12-POINT PLAN
1. A goal from outside 50m worth nine points. Ball must go over the line on the full.
2. A rushed behind worth three points.
3. Play on when the ball bounces off goalposts.
4. A player on the ground or on his knees cannot take possession _ he must knock it on.
5. Ball-ups around the ground, not bounces.
6. Sixteen players a team on the field, not 18.
7. Players outside the centre square cannot come in until the ball is bounced and struck by a player.
8. No wrestling at ruck duels.
9. New line-up at centre bounces _ three players per team in forward 50m arc, three in defensive 50m, four in centre square, three in space from the centre line to forward arc, three in space from centre line to defensive arc.
10. Ball must travel between 20-30m before a mark is called.
11. Any kick backwards up to the forward 50m deemed play-on.
12. New interchange line-up _ either four on the bench (two for injuries and two for interchange) or six on the bench (three for injuries and three for interchange).
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