The AFL’s decision against any off-season rule changes for the 2018 season has been praised by Hayden Kennedy.
After nine rule changes across the past three seasons, today the League have announced that they will stick with last year’s rule set for 2018, despite the removal of umpires bouncing the ball being hotly debated over the summer.
While Kennedy was once a vocal supporter of removing the bounce, he says he is happy that the rules have remained the same, believing the stability will be enjoyed by players and umpires alike.
“Players are continually adjusting to new rules in the same way that umpires are, and sometimes the rules that are introduced are more difficult than some other ones,” he told SEN’s Time On with Sam McClure.
“The beauty of this year is that it is a stable environment in regards to rules and interpretations, which I think is fantastic for players and umpires.
“Hopefully it will be fantastic for spectators as well.”
Kennedy believes that it will be “business as usual” regarding the bounce this year, welcoming the introduction of a strength and conditioning coach for the umpires to combat shoulder injuries stemming from repeatedly bouncing the ball.
Listen to Hayden Kennedy chatting with Sam McClure on SEN's Time On below: