THE AFL has to make a decision on an interchange cap for 2014 sooner rather than later, Ross Lyon says.
The Fremantle coach believes the possible introduction of an interchange cap could influence recruiting decisions during the off-season.
Lyon has been part of the AFL Coaches Association sub-committee that has been charged with providing a coach's perspective on capping interchanges. Collingwood director of coaching Rodney Eade sat on a Laws of the Game Committee meeting in July as the coaches representative.
"There's been a bit of dialogue," Lyon said.
"I think we're all just sitting and waiting. All we've asked is, can we know earlier rather than later because it will effect recruiting decisions and hopefully common sense prevails."
AFL football operations manager Mark Evans made a presentation to the AFL Commission in July regarding interchange. At that meeting, the commission requested more data be tabled before it would make a final decision.
It is understood it was interested in injury-related data and examining interchange trends further.
The AFL Commission may consider the issue at Monday's scheduled meeting. If not, it would be delayed until the end of August, two months before the exchange and draft period begins.
The AFL's restricted and unrestricted free agency period begins on September 30. The trade period commences on October 7, and the NAB AFL Draft takes place on November 21.
The League's interchange average per team has hovered between 130 and 140 per game in recent weeks. Fremantle is one of the higher rotating teams, averaging more than 140 interchanges per game. Hawthorn made 166 interchanges against Essendon in round 18.
Lyon did not give an opinion as to what number the interchanges should be capped at, nor did he reveal any information that the coaches relayed to the AFL. However, he hoped the information was factored in.
"I just think hopefully they make a balanced decision on all the information that's given," Lyon said.
While some coaches and players have voiced concern about a possible interchange cap, West Coast coach John Worsfold said he was not fussed about the number that interchanges could be capped at.
"I'm really comfortable with any," Worsfold said.
"I'm comfortable with 80, 100, 120. Once the number is out, everyone will make decisions around how they're going to use it.
"Whether it's 80 or 120, I'm comfortable we'll be able to utilise it."
But like Lyon, Worsfold said it was important that clubs were made aware as soon as possible because of the implications of the interchange cap.
"Clubs like to know as early as possible, because any rule change could affect what you're looking for," Worsfold said.
"The AFL are aware that decisions do influence recruiting and they've always said they'll try and give us as much notice as possible so I'm comfortable with that."
