Geelong star and AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield says the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the stand rule.
The new rule has allowed players to gain more meterage as the man on the mark cannot move laterally, forwards or backwards once told to stand by the umpire.
“You’re essentially playing with one man down because you can move it quickly and open up those angles,” Dangerfield told SEN’s Whateley.
“I think it’s been good for the game because it promotes more corridor use of the footy which means as you build the ball down the ground, you’ve got more forward space to kick to, which in turn stresses your defence, pulls them apart and allows some more gaps.
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“I think we’re seeing what everyone would love to see, the return of the big forwards really dominating games with space they haven’t quite had in previous seasons. I think that’s been a really good thing for the game.
“It’s frustrating at times, but there’s never an interpretation of a rule that’s going to be totally perfect. I think the pros outweigh the cons with what we’ve seen so far.”
Dangerfield is a big fan of Thursday night football and would like see games slated in the timeslot every week.
Thursday night games were scheduled in Rounds 1-5 with more to come later in the season.
“Absolutely. I think it’s something we should definitely have every week,” the Brownlow Medallist said.
“It feels like the weekend is upon us earlier and it almost relaxes those that are into the game quicker because it’s like, ‘footy’s back, the weekend’s here, let's get rolling again’.
“I think it’s a great thing and I’d certainly be for more Thursday night games, that’s for sure.”
The eight-time All-Australian is currently sidelined with a syndesmosis tear and isn’t sure when he’ll return with Geelong finding their groove after a slow start to the season.
"For me, surgery would be the last port of call because clearly it's invasive, but once it was described in the way they did it was a straightforward decision,” Dangerfield said.
"It can range from 4-5 weeks to 10+ weeks. We really don't know at the moment.
"It sucks, but it's the game, and I've been incredibly blessed with the run of luck that I've had when it's come to injury.
"Hopefully I can get back and join in on the way the guys are playing at the moment. It felt like it started to click for us."
The Cats thrashed the Eagles by 97 points last time out and will look to make it three wins on the spin against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.
