The AFL’s stand rule has to go.

It was brought in to “open the game up,” but instead it’s taken away a fundamental part of footy — defensive pressure at the mark. Players are being punished with 50-metre penalties for instinctively moving a few centimetres, while kickers get an uncontested exit every time.

Footy has always been about pressure, instinct, and contest. The stand rule removes that. It turns the player on the mark into a statue and hands the attacking team easy metres.

Fans want the real game back.

If you believe the stand rule should be scrapped, sign and share this petition so the AFL knows supporters want change.

Bring back natural pressure.

Bring back the contest.

Bring back real footy.