THE SOPHISTICATED hub being built for score reviewers will also include Match Review Officers to allow for a quicker turnaround for incidents in this year's finals series.

The AFL will introduce its 'review centre' in the finals – it is hopeful of a soft launch in round 23 if it is ready – but plans for the facility to be an overarching focal point for a number of different areas.

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It will not only house the score review officers for controversial moments from games, but it will also see possible MRO incidents reported during the contests so clubs can be notified potentially within hours that their players have been cited or cleared.  

It will also be used for umpire coaching, medical processes and game integrity purposes, given the cameras and technology available to the AFL.

The League's football operations manager Steve Hocking did not give away details on where the external centre will be based but said it would benefit the game.

"On a Thursday or Friday night game there's a 24-hour turnaround with [MRO incidents]. We think with a review centre we'd be able to do that right across the weekend for clubs and potentially within a couple of hours post-match, depending on medical [reports]," Hocking said. 

"We think we can advance the MRO piece for fans and clubs and players."

The medical part of the hub would allow an independent officer to watch footage of live games "in a controlled environment" away from the interchange bench and be able to relay information to club doctors. 

Saint Paddy McCartin with club doctors after suffering a head knock in the JLT Community Series. Picture: AFL Photos

The AFL has 15 score review officers currently but would reduce that to four or five with the hub's introduction. Hocking said the score review system has been ironed out in recent weeks after a number of troubles throughout 2019. 

"There's definitely been moments this year where it's been difficult and it has hurt the game," he said. "The last couple of weeks there's evidence we've gotten on top of it but we needed to." 

Finding a location that has good enough connectivity is a key factor in where the hub will be based.

Other issues covered by Hocking included:

  • The AFL being pleased with its rule changes this year, despite a drop in scoring. Hocking said the closeness of contests – 76 per cent of game time the margin between sides is under two goals – has created an even competition.
  • Praise for the amount of "moments" in this year's season – more eye-catching marks, goals and exciting finishes compared to 2018 – and a confidence that the scoring will lift before the season ends.
  • Fan feedback showing the AFL that supporters are pleased with the game's changes this season, including the 6-6-6 rule that has created starting positions.
  • A review into the umpiring has commenced, with the possibility of boundary umpires being instilled as decision-makers being canvassed. Hocking ruled out that coming into the game within the next two years, however.  
  • The AFL ensuring the Gold Coast's future but admitting the Suns need help. "Of course they do. No doubt," Hocking said. "We're not worried and they're here for the long haul."
  • Hocking said the AFL was talking to the Suns about a suite of options to help them improve on the field, and did not rule out providing extra salary cap space to the club.
  • The League has offered the role of a mental health officer to a candidate after final interviews were held last week, with an appointment due in the short-term.