AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh has called out the league for considering another change on the eve of the season.<\/p>\n
Reports indicate the AFL is considering introducing a 23rd man to teams who will serve as a concussion sub across the season, meaning the return of infamous the green vest.<\/p>\n
When asked what the AFLPA\u2019s position on this was, Marsh said they were yet to come to a conclusion but were frustrated that it had been sprung on them this close to Round 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take this very seriously, and that\u2019s an important point to make here, but the thought of introducing substitutes, the players were very much against it when it was introduced going back a few years ago, albeit it was less about injuries and concussion and more about greater flexibility on game day,\u201d Marsh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is something where we will hopefully get to a position reasonably quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is probably a little frustrating if I\u2019m honest that we\u2019re needing to consider this a week out from the season starting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue that\u2019s being raised here is not a new issue and it\u2019s probably something that should have been thought through some time before now, but we will work through it as I said and have a position in the coming days.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marsh added that overall the AFLPA has been frustrated with the league\u2019s processes when it comes to rule changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019ve been on the record on this. I think the process the AFL went through to make some of these changes was pretty flawed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know having spoken to a lot of coaches and obviously the players, that everyone was pretty frustrated and disappointed that this was just thrown at the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issues we\u2019re dealing with around concussion and the sub in our view should have been foreseen and that\u2019s where we\u2019re chasing our tail as an industry a week out from the first game.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to look at all the unintended consequences when you make these changes and it just appears as though maybe that hasn\u2019t been done properly and I know that\u2019s still the feeling from coaches and players I\u2019ve spoken to.\u201d<\/p>\n
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