Richmond’s Goal Square Is Empty Now. What Does That Change at the Centre Bounce?
One of the AFL’s 2026 rule changes sounds like dead-time housekeeping. The broader 6-6-6 structure remains, but the old requirement for one forward and one defender to start inside the goal square at a centre ball-up is gone.
That leaves a small patch of grass with a new question attached to it. Richmond can still park a player deep. It can also compress the whole forward six higher, leave the square empty, pull defenders away from goal or send a runner into the space only after the ball is live.
Which picture should Richmond actually own in 2027? Does extra depth help the young key forwards, or does movement help them more? Can a higher starting shape improve forward pressure without exposing the Tigers when the centre clearance is lost? And what should the midfield see before it makes the first kick?
The rule will not fix a poor clearance or a bad entry. That is exactly why it is interesting. A small piece of freedom can show whether Richmond’s midfield, forwards and defensive system are becoming connected enough to make one deliberate decision together.
RTSSG has taken the tiny rule change and followed the 2027 consequence all the way through.
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