Home / Sports / Footy Boss Clarifies 'Fans Don't Care' Remark
Footy Boss Clarifies 'Fans Don't Care' Remark
17 Sep
Summary
- AFL boss Swann clarified fan engagement comments after backlash.
- He explained 'fans don't care' referred to minute game length details.
- Recent rule changes aimed to speed up AFL games and shorten breaks.
AFL football operations boss Greg Swann recently clarified comments made on AFL 360 regarding the length of Australian Rules Football games. Swann initially suggested that 30-minute quarters would be "utopia" and that fans "don't care" about such details, sparking controversy among supporters.
Speaking on SEN radio the following morning, Swann explained his "don't care" comment was taken out of context. He clarified that he meant fans are not preoccupied with the exact minute variations in quarter length, such as 30 versus 32 minutes. He stressed that fan opinions are highly valued, and the league actively listens to their input.
Swann reiterated that the primary concern for fans is witnessing good quality football, which he believes the league has been delivering. He also referenced recent rule changes implemented this year, including the introduction of 'last touch' out of bounds and the removal of centre bounces, designed to increase game speed and reduce "dead time."
Previously, during the Covid-impacted 2020 season, the AFL had shortened quarter lengths from the traditional 20 minutes to 16 minutes plus time-on.
