AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking has today advised Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich that the most likely trial of proposed new rule changes would occur in games in second tier competitions such and the WAFL and SANFL.

“As I stated yesterday we were yet to understand the AFL’s position regarding a trial of proposed new rules in selected games in the 2018 season,” Rosich said on Thursday.

“In subsequent discussions with Steve Hocking today, he has reiterated his comments made late yesterday afternoon, which was the most likely outcome being a series of trials in second tier competitions such as the WAFL and SANFL to assist the AFL with its decision making.

“Steve Hocking also advised the club that if a trial was to be conducted at AFL level it would require the approval of a number of stakeholders, including the AFL Commission and the clubs participating in the game.

“If it got to the stage that a trial was proposed for one of our games in 2018 Fremantle’s position is that we would not support that occurring.”