CLUBS are pushing for a rule change that would allow them to "reset" their substitute at half-time.

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said that during the League's consultation period with clubs last year some had suggested they should be allowed to reuse players substituted from a game in the first half.

Under the current substitute rules, once a club activates its substitute, the player he replaces dons a red vest and cannot return to the game.

But under the clubs' proposal, a player substituted out of a game in the first half could return to the field in place of another teammate after half-time.


Evans said the proposal would be trialled during the NAB Challenge, which starts on Wednesday when Geelong hosts Collingwood at Simonds Stadium.

In the NAB Challenge, the interchange bench will be expanded from the three players and one substitute used during the premiership season to six players and two substitutes.

Evans said both substitutes named at the start of NAB Challenge games could be "reset" at half-time.

"One of the suggestions that came from the clubs during the consultations last year was maybe the ability to reset the sub after half-time," Evans said at the launch of the NAB Challenge on Monday.

"So we're quite keen to have a look at that." 


Melbourne coach Paul Roos supported the trial, saying it could also work well in the premiership season.

"The fact that you can reset your subs is a good idea," Roos said on Monday. 

"Sometimes you make a sub, and you've got a healthy player sitting on the bench – and all of a sudden you get an injury – you've (only) got two (interchange) players running around…

"It's silly to have a guy that is healthy sitting on the bench, ready to play, when an injured player's come off."
 
Evans said the AFL's main focus this pre-season would be making sure the systems and technology used to enforce the impending interchange cap of 120 rotations were ready for the start of the home and away season. 

The AFL has partnered with Champion Data to ensure teams' rotation numbers will be available to clubs, broadcasters and fans at games, Evans said.