A proposal to alter the scoring system, which has remained fundamentally the same since the former Victorian Football League was formed in 1897, is the most extreme of the measures.

Other changes, such as restrictions on player interchanges have been gradually gathering momentum and are more understandable in the context of an ever-evolving sport.

What is concerning about the AFL's move is that the the league is likely to separate itself from grassroots football by changing the rules at the elite level.

The cacophony of disapproval voiced about the potential changes brings us to the point about how, or if, the rule changes might flow onto regional and country leagues, which hold to the traditions of

Aussie Rules much more tightly than those at highest levels.

There is bound to be greater resistance to changes to the scoring systems at lower levels.

How we educate our junior players about the game is directly affected by the way the AFL operates.

At what level will the AFL expect other Aussie Rules competitions to follow?

For instance, would the elite under-18 competition, the TAC Cup, be expected to align itself with the AFL?

The AFL has put progress ahead of tradition in recent seasons and many of the rule changes have ensured that Aussie Rules at the highest level remains the world's greatest game.

The danger with continuing down this path is that those at the grassroots levels are likely to be left behind.

The AFL should be mindful that its responsibilities to the game at the highest level do not diminish or adversely affect those whose passion remains the game they have grown up with and love.

Sometimes change for change's sake can do more harm than good.