The Australian Football League (AFL) is gearing up for its most significant structural evolution in over a decade. With the Tasmania Devils officially set to enter the competition as the 19th team in 2028, league executives are actively plotting how to adapt.
Speaking at the SportNXT conference in Melbourne, AFL Commission Chair Craig Drummond revealed that nothing is off the table—including shortening the actual length of matches.
Why the AFL is Eyeing Shorter Matches
The introduction of a 19th team creates an immediate scheduling headache. Simply adding more matches to the existing calendar isn't viable under the current format. Drummond highlighted that player physical limits are already being pushed to the brink.
"If we want to have more games, we probably need a shorter game," Drummond explained during an interview with Eddie McGuire. He noted that both players and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) agree that athletes are currently "maxed out" on the number of minutes they can play per season.
To protect player welfare while expanding the competition, reducing the quarters' duration is emerging as a very real possibility.
Radical Fixture Changes on the Horizon
The standard 23-round season is unlikely to survive the 2028 expansion. The AFL is already consulting with clubs to design a completely overhauled fixture system.
Some of the radical ideas currently being discussed include:
- A mid-season tournament: Adding a cup-style competition to break up the traditional season.
- Group stage structures: Implementing a pool-based system after the home-and-away season to determine finalists.
- Reduced home-and-away rounds: Restructuring how many times teams play each other to manage player load.
"It is likely we'll see... some meaningful change in our scheduling in 2028," Drummond confirmed.
Strict Warnings on Off-Field Standards
Beyond the physical demands of the game, Drummond also addressed culture and player behavior. Referencing recent controversies, including a scandal involving the Sydney Swans, the AFL Chair issued a firm ultimatum to the league's athletes.
Drummond emphasized that AFL players are highly compensated public figures who must uphold the values of their clubs and the league.
"We don't have any, and should not have any, tolerance for poor behaviour," Drummond warned. "And if you don't want to adhere to those values and expectations, then there's other opportunities outside sport."
