Sportsday Gerard's editorial on the removal of the bounce (23.02.26)
Feb 23, 2026
A fiery editorial on abolishing the AFL bounce and why that rule change matters. A look at the history and defenders of the bounce and why it was retired. Praise for decisive leadership that enacted the change. Talk about how centre clearances, stoppages and forward entries will shift and which rucks will benefit. A celebration of speed returning to the game.
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Why Removing The Bounce Is A Historic Fix
- Gerard Healy says banning the bounce is the greatest rule change in modern AFL history because it solved long-standing problems.
- He argues the bounce had become archaic and defensive compromises like a secondary baller only prolonged its decline.
John Wayne Metaphor For Swan's Quiet Execution
- Healy uses a Western 'John Wayne' metaphor to describe Greg Swan's quiet, decisive approach over 12 months.
- The colourful story frames Swan as a calm reformer who pulled the trigger suddenly to fix the problem.
Centre Clearances Became Faster And More Dynamic
- Healy reports centre clearances are faster and more exciting without the bounce, producing quick goals and cleaner ball movement.
- He cites games showing fewer secondary stoppages and goals from rapid centre exits as evidence.