A new look AFL season will kick off on July 11 with just four sides.
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Premiers Tigers will do battle with Buffs, Rhinos and Rovers as Lake Nash endures its one year ban.
With player count lower than previous years new Mount Isa AFL president Natasha Horwood said teams will field 12 a side unless both teams have 16 or the full 18.
"Due to how late in the footy season it is we have had to modify the game slightly," Horwood said.
"Some teams are struggling with player numbers and this modified season will benefit all teams."
The new look season will have eight rounds followed by two rounds of finals with the season finishing on September 19.
Horwood said the quarters will be 15 minutes long and and the playing size of the field would be reduced to accommodate the fewer players on the field.
"Each week we will assess where the teams are at with players and at any stage if the struggling teams can field a 16 or 18 man side then we will change to a 16 or 18 man aside game. It is hoped that the finals will be 16 or 18 man aside games," she said.
"As a league we think it is important to do what is best for each team and this decision has been made with the support of all teams.
"The teams were consulted at every stage and once we were made aware of the struggling teams we informed the other teams that a 12 man a side appeared to be the only option we could run with for a season."
Rhinos' coach Tom Wilsdon said there had been growing numbers at training with the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions.
"With the guys keen to start play again they've brought out a few new energetic faces to the club to help lift the Rhinos this year," Wilsdon said.
"The skipper Tom Rigmany has been doing big things during preseason and is looking the goods ready to lead a newer fitter Rhinos outfit for the 2020 season. So come out and support your Rhinos, see you on July 11."
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