Twenty-minute quarters, floating fixture to return to AFL in season 2021
Two of the AFL's hottest debates of the year are now settled ahead of season 2021 after the governing body announced 20-minute quarters and a floating fixture would return.
Quarters were reduced to 16 minutes plus time on due to the impact of COVID-19 on the competition, with the AFL pointing to the influence of the suspended season on fitness and the effect of footy frenzies on fatigue.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick addresses his troops. Getty
The other ruling will see the AFL release the timeslots of only the first six rounds of next season by the end of this month, including the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG.
The rest of the season's match-ups will also be determined in December, although rounds seven to 23 won't include the dates, timeslots and choice of TV broadcaster.
The AFL has decided to release the remainder of the draw in blocks of four to six rounds to ensure flexibility in the face of the pandemic.
