The AFL will trial a 15-second shot clock at the remaining NAB Challenge matches at Etihad Stadium, with a player's set-shot time counting down on the venue's scoreboard.
In a move that could put tardy forwards on notice, a countdown clock will appear when the controlling umpire gives the player his 15-second warning.
It will disappear when the player starts his approach, with the umpire calling time on as normal once it reaches zero.
Players will still have a total of 30 seconds to take their set shot before play on is called.
The shot clock is one of a number of initiatives being tested at Etihad Stadium before the start of the season, which will improve "interaction and understanding of the game" for supporters.
Football managers were made aware of the trials last week, with the League confirming the details in a memo to clubs on Tuesday afternoon.
The AFL limited the time available to players taking a set shot in 2006, setting the 30-second limit as part of changes designed to make the game more fluent.
As well as the countdown clock, fans at Etihad Stadium for this week's matches will hear umpire explanations of free kicks and score reviews.
The free kick explanations will be broadcast during scoreboard replays, while the umpire's verdict during score reviews will be broadcast on the ground's PA.
St Kilda and Hawthorn kick off the final round of NAB Challenge matches on Thursday night at Etihad Stadium before Melbourne and Essendon square off at the venue one night later.
There is a double-header at the stadium on Saturday, with Richmond taking on North Melbourne during the day and Collingwood facing the Western Bulldogs in the evening.
The League will trial a new positioning of the Etihad Stadium roof for the Saturday match involving the Tigers and Bulldogs and the Sunday twilight clash between Carlton and Geelong.
At the end of the NAB Challenge clubs, players and fans will be consulted for feedback on the trials, which won't be rolled out at other venues this pre-season.
The full list of new initiatives is as follows:
15 second shot clock – For when a player is having a shot at goal following a mark or free kick, a 15 second countdown clock will appear on the scoreboard and count from 15 down to zero at the point where the umpire tells the player he has 15 seconds remaining. The player must begin his approach before the clock reaches zero (or the umpire calls play on).
Explanation of free kicks during scoreboard replays – Currently, the television audience receives some explanation via the umpire communications system, but this is not heard by patrons at the ground. The scoreboard operator will be connected to the umpire communication system and will activate explanation of the reason for the free kick during replays.
Broadcasting umpire explanation of score reviews - The TV broadcast currently takes this audio and the AFL will now seek to play this audio on the ground PA, pending the audio quality.
Countdown of quarter and half time breaks - A countdown clock will be shown on the scoreboard to inform patrons of the time remaining before play is scheduled to recommence.
Roof positioning – At Saturday’s 1.10pm game between Richmond and North Melbourne and Sunday’s 4.40pm game between Carlton and the Geelong Cats, the western roof panel will be adjusted into a different position to try and reduce potential sunglare issues on the ground during play.
