Australian Football League Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh would not have a problem with elite footballers' wages "being made public," similar to American professional sports leagues, according to the AAP. Most AFL players are "against the idea" to follow the lead of the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL to disclose player salaries "due to the likelihood of increased public scrutiny." But Marsh is "out of step with his members," taking an alternative view. He said, "I would have no issue with that. ... What we've seen in sports around the world is if this happens -- and this is a careful-what-you-wish-for situation -- is that players wages will go up significantly." He added, "Once everyone knows what everyone is getting, the market for players [will increase]" (THE AGE, 10/11).
RULE CHANGES: In Sydney, Greg Denham reported the AFL "encouraged players to showcase their skills" by implementing nine rule changes and interpretations for next season. To assist with a "faster-flowing contest" with less congestion, the package of changes was designed to protect the traditions of the code, while "enhancing its uniqueness," according to AFL GM of Football Operations Steve Hocking. The "most noticeable change," apart from set starting positions, will be at kick-ins. A player will no longer be required to kick it to himself to play on from the goal square once a behind has been signaled. The AFL "abandoned plans to extend the goal square" from 9m out to 18m (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/11).
