AFL boss Gillon McLachlan open to discussion about scrapping the bounce

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says he’s open to discussion about scrapping the bounce.

There are growing calls for the traditional centre square start to be changed so that umpires can focus more attention on officiating the game.

McLachlan told Neil Mitchell it was a complex issue, but one that needed discussing.

‘I think it’s a good debate,’ the AFL chief said on 3AW Mornings.

‘(But) tradition is important in our game.

‘The bounce has always been a spectacular, unique, part of our game ? so that’s the reason why not.’

But McLachlan conceded there were also several reasons why it made sense to get rid of the bounce.

On a separate note, McLachlan also confirmed the AFL wouldn’t be twisting the arm of Brownlow favourites Nat Fyfe and Matt Priddis to attend this year’s count, should either or both be playing in the grand final.

It would be a major shock if one of the Western Australian pair didn’t win the league’s highest individual honour.

And at this stage, they’re also every chance of playing in the decider.

McLachlan said the AFL wouldn’t be forcing anyone to be present at the count in Melbourne.

‘That’s consistent with where we’ve been for a number of years,’ he said.

LISTEN: Gillon McLachlan joins Neil Mitchell in studio