ASIDE from one free kick, the rules trial had a minimal impact on the Northern Blues-Coburg VFL match, in the second time they had been tested.
Teams set up with a 6-6-6 structure at centre bounces, with six forwards from each side having to start inside 50, including one in the goal-square itself.
The goal-square was more of a rectangle, measuring 18 metres, twice its usual size.
It was the second time Coburg had trialled the rules, taking part in the first test last week against Werribee.
The Blues had a few teething problems early, with one player seemingly not realising early he was required to start inside-50, rather than just in the forward half.
The umpire paid a free kick in the centre square to the Coburg ruckman after the Blue didn't respond to requests to move inside-50.
Blues coach Josh Fraser said while he didn't mind the rules, he wouldn't want to see them employed on a permanent basis, including at AFL level.
"To be really honest, I don't feel like it changed the game a lot. I actually like the 6-6-6, just from an aesthetics point of view, it gives the game a good feel. Kick-outs are longer and down the middle," Fraser said.
"We didn't feel as a coaching group the rule changes significantly impacted how the game was played. Once the ball is bounced at the centre bounce you can make your way with pressure and numbers as you would.
"I've actually enjoyed watching the footy this year, reckon there's been some good games. When you have nine games on the weekend, you're always going to get a couple that are a little bit harder to watch. On the balance of it, footy is pretty exciting to watch, so I wouldn't be messing around with it too much. That's my personal opinion."
An accurate opening half saw just five behinds kicked between the two sides, meaning the extended goal-square wasn't of much use.
AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking was in attendance, as were AFL game analyst officials James Podsiadly and Brett Munro. The trio left at three-quarter time.
It was confirmed to AFL.com.au if a forward marks inside the extended goal-square, they are able to line up directly in front, although it wasn't needed to be used in the match.
There were a few torps kicked after behinds in the second half, which pushed the play up onto the wing. Generally, if a team won the ball back after a kick-in, they were then able to find more space when re-entering 50.
Players generally set their defensive zones further up the ground than normal, but when both teams were kicking in, they often ignored a valid option on a 45-degree angle on the 50m arc, preferring to bomb it long in hope.
While both teams adhered to the 6-6-6 structure at centre bounces, they often rolled a spare defender back in general play.
Carlton defender Cam O'Shea played mostly in the midfield for Northern Blues and wasn't fazed by the adjustments.
"It was pretty much just a game personally, I can't speak for the other boys," O'Shea said.
"It was pretty quick in the last quarter, didn't seem to slow up too much. The extended goal-square allowed them to get the ball out the back a lot more.
"With the longer goal-square, we just made the adjustment of pulling our zone back a bit, probably just a bit mindful of them getting the ball out the back. In saying that, they probably did the same and tried to open up the game that way.
"It was something different, we'll see how they go. If [the AFL] end up going with it, then they do, but if they don't, the game's fine the way it is."
Play was halted early in the first quarter to allow for an interchange, when the Northern Blues didn't have the required number of players forward, because they were still coming off the bench. However, it was the only time it occurred.
Despite a late Lions comeback, the Blues held on to win by 16 points.
If the AFL choose to hold another rules trial match next week, Northern Blues-Sandringham on Saturday is the sole match of the round featuring sides who cannot make the top eight.
