The AFL has finally scrapped the centre bounce after years of debate around the tradition, while the sub rule has also been replaced by an extra man on the bench.

Long ago replaced with throws at around-the-ground stoppages, bouncing the ball has remained the priority at the centre.

But it will now make way after what the AFL said was “careful consideration of several factors”.

“The centre bounce has long been a part of Australian Football tradition, but as the game has evolved, there are several areas which will benefit from allowing umpires to simply throw the ball up at the restart,” recently appointed football boss Greg Swann said.

“Currently, umpire pathways are being narrowed by the requirement of the bounce. It is a difficult skill to execute, and we believe is preventing some

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