Clubs want answers on whether the substitute player can join the game as part of a standard rotation or only during stoppages.
It is unknown how close to the opening bounce the sub must be nominated from the selected 22, and whether he will wear a distinguishing uniform before being activated.
Teams will field three interchange players and a substitute, who can only enter the game when replacing a teammate who cannot return to the action.
The aim is to curb an explosion in rotations and could create a niche for "professional subs", most likely tall running players who can pinch-hit in the ruck.
Essendon coach James Hird said yesterday he was unsure how the restrictions would affect the game.
"I don't know. I am not really sure. It will affect the ability of guys to repeat speed at a high level at the end of the game. Does that affect the standard? We will wait and see," Hird said.
"I don't think anyone is sure what it's going to do with rotations. The AFL is pretty keen to get it down to 80 rotations and will this new rule do that?
"I think everyone is just waiting to see. What we do know is there is one less player to rotate, so players will have to have more of an endurance base than over the last two or three years."
It is expected a soccer-style substitution board will be used to signal the sub's entry to fans, TV viewers and opposition coaches. The AFL said yesterday details of the regulations would be explained to clubs soon.
Former Swans coach Paul Roos said this week he expected clubs to make mistakes experimenting with the rule.
"Some clubs will make some massive blues. But where it will end up is interesting,'' Roos told the AFL website.
"Do you have a second ruckman as your substitute? Well, that's probably unlikely as well because (ruck) is a very specialised position. Is it an older player who's a sub that you bring on? Is it a versatile player? Is it a key position player?
"It is a very, very difficult question to answer and I think each coach may have different ideas and I think that it will take to at least halfway through the season (to work it out).''
The substitute rule will not apply during the NAB Cup, which starts on February 11, where teams will have extended squads.
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said last year the rule would not last.
"Who do you put as your 22nd man? If you use it as a tactical ploy and change at half-time and you get an injury you're in the lap of the gods, I've got no doubt it will change the game and I can see them changing something in two years' time because it won't work out the way they think,'' Eade said.
Last Modified on 27/01/2011 12:10
