Max Gawn Suggests AFL Ruck Rule Adjustment Following Pre-Season Incidents
Melbourne captain Max Gawn has proposed a solution to address the controversial new ruck rule that has created significant disruption during the AFL's pre-season matches. The AFL introduced several new laws for the 2026 season, with the ruck rule—which prohibits ruckmen from crossing the centre line during a centre ball-up before engaging their opponent—drawing the most criticism.
Pre-Season Incidents Highlight Rule Flaws
Gawn had previously expressed concerns about the potential for increased injuries under the new rule, and these fears were realized in recent pre-season games. In a Wednesday night match, Geelong's Shannon Neale suffered a painful knee-on-knee collision with Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet, causing alarm among spectators and analysts who initially feared a posterior cruciate ligament injury. Fortunately, it was later confirmed as a minor shin knock.
The following day, during the Sydney-GWS clash, Brodie Grundy exploited the rule by not jumping and waiting for his opponent, Nick Madden, to cross the line, resulting in a free kick. While this decision adhered strictly to the rule, it contradicted the AFL's intention to encourage both ruckmen to jump for the ball.
AFL Officials Acknowledge Issues
AFL football boss Greg Swann admitted that Grundy's tactic was not anticipated and stated that the league would review the situation. "We will have a chat about that one," Swann said on SEN. "I'm probably glad he did it in the practice games rather than the home and away. It's probably one we didn't contemplate, but we'll have a look at it and see where we go."
Gawn's Proposed Rule Tweak
Gawn, widely regarded as one of the greatest ruckmen of the modern era, described the recent incidents as "concerning" and suggested a modification to improve the rule. On Triple M's Mick in the Morning, he explained, "At the moment when you read the rule ... I'm hoping because I actually haven't read the rule ... the rule is you can't cross the line, pretty black and white rule."
He proposed, "I like the idea of potentially putting it in the umpire's hands, which potentially is a bit more work (for them), which sometimes isn't good. (My rule tweak is) You can't deliberately cross the line to impact the ruckman's go at the ball. Don't need to throw the rule out of the book, just tweak it."
Gawn added that while he doesn't mind the rule for personal advantage, he was troubled by the free kicks awarded in early games, suggesting a less rigid interpretation. "I think maybe just less black and white," he concluded.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
St Kilda great and Channel 7 commentator Nick Riewoldt speculated that the AFL might be more willing to make adjustments with Swann in charge. As the new AFL season kicks off, all eyes will be on the ruck contests, particularly whether Grundy attempts similar tactics in upcoming matches, such as the Sydney-Carlton clash.
