[ad_1]
Essendon super Matthew lloyd says the AFL opened a “massive box of worms” with the introduction of its new medical substitution rule.
The rule has divided opinions within 48 hours of the season opener between Richmond and Carlton, with teams now able to take a 23-man squad on game day.
MORE AFL NEWS: The question the AFL CEO can’t answer as the season approaches
While the replacement was initially thought to be reserved for players with concussion, the fact that an injured player could be substituted left Lloyd as confused as many.
“You know if you have a concussion you can’t play for 12 days so I can live with that one but to then bring it to a medical injury I just think that opens up a huge box of. verse, “he told Nine’s Footy Ranked.
“The number of times I’ve been plugged, injured or had AC joints where I couldn’t finish a game, but I was going to be right next week, now suddenly a new player is coming for me too day, but so I would be right to play the next day. “
Under the new rule, in order for a substitute player to be admitted to the pitch, the club doctor must decide that the substituted player will not be available to play a match within the next 12 days.
Former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon also echoed Lloyd’s statements, saying the new rule opened up an unnecessary ‘gray area’.
“There is ambiguity and it could come off under pressure,” he said.
“There is enormous pressure on the doctors at the club and they are under enough pressure.
“I would do five (exchange players), I would face whatever happens on game day, five players will pass you by.
“It has been proven over a long period of time. It helps you get out of any pressure situation.”
[ad_2]
