The AFL Commission is grappling with the future of the centre bounce, a tradition that has defined Australian Rules Football since its introduction in 1887. As discussions intensify, prominent figures in the sport are questioning whether this long-standing ritual should be reinstated to its chaotic glory or removed entirely.
During grand finals from 1998 to 2001, esteemed commentator Bruce McAvaney would dramatically announce, “The moment has arrived,” as the ball was bounced at the MCG. That moment has become a symbol of anticipation and excitement, yet many now view it as an outdated practice. Once a hallmark of unpredictability, the centre bounce has been diminished by continuous rule changes, prompting former Essendon ruckman Simon Madden to lament, “There used to be a contest… Now I see two blokes pushing, then the ball hits the ground.”
The AFL Commission last assessed the value of the centre bounce in 2018, deciding to maintain it due to its unique nature and inherent risk. Despite this, umpires have voiced a strong desire for its removal, especially in light of recent changes aimed at reducing player contact with officials. Damien Hardwick, coach of the Gold Coast Suns, expressed his frustration, stating, “The ball goes anywhere… if the ball bounces sideways, they’re going to move.”
Opinions among players and coaches vary widely. Patrick Dangerfield, captain of Geelong, commented that the centre bounce does not warrant protection, while Chris Fagan, coach of the Brisbane Lions, criticized the bounce for its contribution to umpire contact. The centre bounce is not enshrined in the 2014 Laws of the Game Charter, allowing the Commission to reconsider its status.
The ongoing debate raises questions about the centre bounce’s role in ensuring fairness and maintaining the game’s unpredictability. Critics argue its elimination could protect umpires while also addressing ongoing concerns about the physicality of the contest. Currently, the AFLW has transitioned to throwing up the ball at centre bounces, a practice that began in 2013 in the men’s league to mitigate injury risk.
Historical context further complicates the discussion. In two of the last thirty-eight grand finals, the bounce was not even executed. In 1987, a free kick awarded before the bounce occurred without any dispute, illustrating that the bounce’s significance has been questioned for decades. More recently, in the 2023 grand final, a recalled bounce cost precious seconds, altering the game’s dynamic during a critical moment.
The AFL has attempted to refine the procedures surrounding the centre bounce. Rules implemented in 2024 allowed umpires to recall errant bounces, a move intended to preserve the integrity of the contest. Yet, these adjustments have led to a wrestling match-like scenario among ruckmen, reminiscent of the chaotic ruck battles that prompted the introduction of the centre circle in 1980.
Madden argues that the continued evolution of the centre bounce has resulted in a diluted spectacle. “It’s gone back to Dempsey-Moore,” he remarked, recalling a notorious encounter between Peter Moore and Gary Dempsey in 1979. He suggested removing the centre circle altogether, advocating for a return to a more dynamic, fluid contest.
As the debate unfolds, the AFL faces a critical decision about the centre bounce’s future. Should the Commission choose to retain it, it must consider whether the current iteration aligns with the sport’s essence, or if a complete overhaul is warranted to reintroduce the excitement that once defined the contest.
The incoming football operations boss, Greg Swann, will need to persuade the AFL Commission to either reinstate the bounce as a thrilling unpredictable element of the game or eliminate it in pursuit of a more structured and fair contest. As it stands, many believe that if the centre bounce were to be scrapped, it would go unnoticed by fans and players alike, marking the end of an era in Australian Rules Football.
