AFL boss backs away from controversial rule trial proposal

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has backed away from the idea of trying new rules in games this season due to fan backlash.

The league’s chief executive told Neil Mitchell he thought “about two thirds” of people were against the idea.

McLachlan sparked a big reaction during the week when he suggested trying new rules in matches involving clubs not in the hunt for finals was on the table.

“I reckon any time people’s view about why not is that it actually is a risk to the integrity of the game means you can’t do it,” McLachlan said on 3AW Mornings.

Click PLAY below to hear more from the AFL chief on 3AW

McLachlan went on to explain why Saturday’s blockbuster between Richmond and Collingwood wasn’t on free-to-air.

He also said Nathan Buckley made a blue by admitting publicly he’d met with out-of-contract Gold Coast captain Tom Lynch.

“I think people, when they have those discussions, should be having them quietly like they’ve had for decades,” McLachlan said.

“I don’t think there is a need to talk about it publicly.”

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Mornings