Geelong great Jimmy Bartel wants player debuts as substitutes banned as the AFL weighs up a potential change to interchange rules.
The league is considering three options for next year: increasing the bench to five footballers, replacing the medical substitute with a tactical one, or retaining the medi-sub as it was used this past season.
The medi-sub was supposed to serve as a safeguard for teams that lost a player to a game-ending injury to avoid them being at a disadvantage but there was a perception the rule was abused at times.
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Bartel, a Giants board member, supports a tactical sub replacing a medical one – but only if would-be debutants are not used in that role.
One positive of this change is doctors would be under less pressure to make substitute calls.
“I have one condition on it. You’re not allowed to use the tactical sub for someone’s first game. You can’t use a debutant as a tactical sub,” he said on 3AW.
“I’m completely against it, and I despise clubs and coaching teams last year who made the sub the debutant.
“It is ordinary behaviour because it’s the greatest highlight in someone’s career. They probably dreamt about it as soon as they fell in love with the game.
“They do those magnificent videos and we get access to players like never before. Your son is about to run out for his team … then sits there with the jacket on and runs laps after the game.
“It’s garbage. If they’re good enough to play; they’ve got to be good enough to be in the starting 22 as well.”
Bartel also believes any potential change that is implemented must be given an extended period to see what impact it makes.
“Whatever decision they come up with; (it should last for) five years minimum,” he said.
“It’s got to run its course. We want speed on the game. It’s a very difficult game to play – it’s taxing – so I’m comfortable with four (on the bench).
“It allows flexibility, it allows the opportunity for debutants to play, it allows for senior players to (play on).
“I think we need four on the bench but I’m open to a tactical sub. Make it a tactical and take the pressure off the doctors.”
