A-LEAGUE coaches are pushing Football Federation Australia to boost the number of players on the substitute bench in a bid to increase their tactical options and enable them to blood more younger players.

Teams name three outfield players on the bench along with a replacement goalkeeper, but Adelaide United boss Rini Coolen is leading the charge for extra numbers.

Spreading the love: In a sign of things to come in the regular season, Melbourne Heart travelled to Langwarrin last weekend to take on Peninsula Select in a friendly, winning 1-0. Credit:Brad McGrath

The Dutchman wants seven replacement players at his disposal - six outfield men and a goalkeeper - although others would settle for five, including a goalkeeper.

He said Adelaide's final pre-season game against Melbourne Victory last week, when he made multiple use of the bench, only reinforced the point.