The AFL has dumped its controversial golden score rule.
On Wednesday the League announced it had removed the possibility of finals, including the Grand Final, being decided by a golden score.
The short-lived rule was introduced in 2015 as a way of dispensing with the previous system for drawn Grand Finals, which required a Grand Final replay to be contested the next week.
In that instance, tied teams would play one period of extra time comprising two five-minute halves, plus time-on. If the scores were again level, play would continue unabated and the final siren would only sound when the deadlock was broken by a golden score, whether it be a goal or behind.
In September AFL.com.au reinforced problems associated with the rule, which didn't take into account issues such as wind advantage in the golden score period.
On Monday the AFL Commission moved to amend Regulation 2.8 (Tie in Finals Series Matches).
Under the new rule, which will also be in force in AFLW games, teams will now play reduced three-minute halves, plus time-on, and additional periods of extra time with changes of ends will be played until there is a winner.
There have been just three drawn Grand Finals and subsequent replays: in 1948 when Melbourne eventually upset Essendon, in 1977 when North Melbourne defeated Collingwood, and in 2010 when Collingwood ultimately overcame St Kilda.
Amendment to Regulation 2.8 (Tie in Finals Series Matches):
In the event of a tied Finals Series Match, the following procedure shall apply:
- Goal umpires confirm scores are identical;
- There is a six-minute break (six minutes and thirty seconds for AFLW matches);
- Teams change ends;
- Three minutes of Additional Time shall be played, plus time-on;
- At the end of the first Additional Time period, the siren will sound and teams will immediately change ends without a break;
- The ball will be bounced (or thrown up) in the centre and a further three minutes of play (plus time-on) will commence;
- At the conclusion of this period, the siren will sound and the team with the highest score is declared the winner;
- If scores are still tied, steps 3 – 8 are repeated until a result is determined.
The following shall also apply:
Starting positions
Any Starting Position (6-6-6) warnings are reset for each period of Additional Time.
Interchange cap
Clubs shall receive 10 interchanges for each 2 x 3 minute period (not applicable in AFLW where there is no interchange cap). Any leftover interchanges from each period of Additional Time would not carry over into a subsequent period.
