1994 AFL Season - Notable Events

Notable Events

• The AFL increased the number of interchange players to three which, when added to the "run on" team of 18 on-the-field players, increased the standard team squad size to 21 players.
• The "blood rule" was introduced in order to allay fears raised by the threat of AIDS.
• The AFL increased the number of field umpires in each game from two to three.
• The requirements of TV networks resulted in a reduction to a match's amount of elapsed playing time (see above).
• The Second McIntyre "Final Six" system, which had operated in 1992 and 1993, was replaced by the McIntyre "Final Eight" system. The McIntyre "Final Eight" system operated from 1994 to 1999; it was replaced by the AFL’s Amended "Final Eight" system in 2000.
• The third qualifying final between North Melbourne and Hawthorn was the first ever AFL finals match to require extra time after the scores were level (North Melbourne 12.19 (91) to Hawthorn 13.13 (91)) at the expiration of regular time. The provision for extra time was introduced after the controversial 1990 finals series where the qualifying final between Collingwood and West Coast was drawn. Under the rules at that time, the match was replayed the following weekend, which gave minor premiers Essendon a second bye weekend. North Melbourne dominated extra time, kicking 3.5 to Hawthorn's nil, and won the match by 23 points.