Max Gawn Raises Alarm Over AFL Ruck Rule Changes and Injury Risks
Eight-time All-Australian Max Gawn has voiced serious concerns that upcoming modifications to the AFL's ruck rules could result in significant knee injuries for the league's tallest players. Under the new regulations set to take effect in 2026, ruckmen will be prohibited from crossing the centre line before engaging with their opponents, and umpires will throw the ball up instead of bouncing it during centre stoppages.
The AFL intends for these adjustments to reduce wrestling around stoppages and encourage rucks to jump more aggressively at the ball. However, Gawn and other prominent figures in the sport are warning that the changes might have dangerous unintended consequences.
Injury Fears and Criticism from Players
"This throw up is literally one, two, three, get your shin up and grit your teeth and hope your PCL stays intact," Gawn cautioned during the AFL's Captains Day on Monday. He highlighted that the new rule could lead to more predictable contests where athletes are favored over skilled footballers, potentially diminishing the craft of ruck play.
Former Adelaide and Geelong player Josh Jenkins also criticized the rule on social media, stating, "Browsed a few practice matches, no idea why people think the new centre bounce ruck rule is any good — or was needed." He added that the changes are likely to cause more injuries and seem unnecessary, driven more by aesthetics than practical benefits.
Former Crows captain Mark Bickley echoed these concerns, remarking, "We are one knee injury away from serious questions being asked of the AFL." He suggested that the rule might soon lead to ruckmen avoiding physical contact altogether, stepping around each other instead of engaging.
Specific Concerns and Player Experiences
Gawn pointed out that many rucks have histories of knee issues, citing examples like Toby Nankervis, Darcy Cameron, and Marck Pittonet, all of whom have suffered PCL injuries. He noted that while his own PCL injury occurred as a full-forward, the new rule's emphasis on simultaneous jumping could put additional pressure on players' knees.
Paul Seedsman, a former Crows and Collingwood player, questioned the logic behind the change on social media, posting, "Knee on knee = PCL?" He described it as a massive overcorrection aimed at increasing scoring, arguing that centre bounces were not previously seen as a problem area.
Gawn observed that the rule has already led to less ruck-craft in pre-season games, with players simply jumping into each other. He expressed worry that this shift might not cater to all body types, contradicting the AFL's tradition of inclusivity for players of various shapes and sizes.
Adaptation and Future Outlook
Despite his reservations, Gawn acknowledged that the AFL is trying to improve the game and stated he is open to adapting. "I'm really keen to give it a go. It's 17 years into my career and now I get to train a new skill," he said. He is studying footage and experimenting with techniques, such as coming off different angles or staying down at times, as demonstrated by Darcy Cameron in a recent state of origin match.
Gawn expects ruckmen to adjust quickly but hopes for further tweaks to the rule. He pointed out that players like Tristan Xerri, Reilly O'Brien, Kieren Briggs, and Nankervis might be disadvantaged, with Nankervis already showing signs of struggle in adapting.
With the Demons facing the Saints in Round 1, Gawn will soon test his new strategies against premier leaper Tom De Koning. "There will be some teething problems," he admitted, "Lucky enough, I've got Tom De Koning Round 1, which means I'm probably going to be jumping."
The debate over these rule changes continues, as the AFL balances the desire for a more dynamic game with the need to protect player safety and preserve the unique skills of ruckmen.
