IF IT ain't broke, don't fix it.

A line most everyone has heard before, and one trotted out regularly because as far as axioms go, it is one of the most accurate.

But seemingly the powers that be at the AFL have either not heard, or chosen not to take any notice of the simple piece of advice being screamed at them from all corners by fans.

Much has been said and written about the "state of the game" this season, and now that noise has caused the AFL to draft a new rules of the game committee under Steve Hocking.

More-so than the thrilling finishes -as we saw between Melbourne and Geelong on Saturday- or the closeness of the ladder -with just three games separating 3rd and 12th- my contemporaries have honed in on the topic of "ugly footy" and a supposed need to make rule changes to return Aussie rules to its aesthetically-pleasing past.

As though watching GWS move the ball on a string through the competition's best defensive unit on Sunday was not pleasing enough.

I question the media types so vehemently in support of sweeping rule changes to a sport which, year on year, is still drawing in record crowds and has TV stations bidding into the millions to offer coverage.

I question whether they are actual fans of the sport, or just ticking a box. I could never believe a fan who told me with a straight face, they are in favour of the 'six-six-six' starting positions rule reportedly being considered for next season.

AFL great Malcolm Blight forewarned this week that "change is coming" and told those opposed to said changes within the industry to "resign and go join the unemployment queue."

But this is not a case of traditionalists burying their heads in the sand, being opposed to change on principal at the cost of common sense.

It is a case of the common fan -the one who pays to see their team play in rain, hail or shine, and whose opinion should ultimately matter most- seemingly knowing better than those who hold the future of the sport in their hands.

Already in the 21st century, AFL fans have been blessed to witness two historic dynasties in Brisbane and Hawthorn. Both boasted highly skilful sides and yet drastically different game styles.

We have seen Paul Roos' Sydney Swans win a flag with dour defence and contested footy.

Hawthorn employed the "Clarko Cluster" and elite foot skills to send them to the top.

Geelong become masters of transition footy, punctuated by a second flag in three years in 2009. Their penchant for running up scores on opposition sides had many labelling the Cats one of the best sides of all time.

We heard a similar line of thought after Essendon lost just one match on the way to the 2000 premiership, led by the silky skills of James Hird and Joe Misiti and a 100-goal season from Matthew Lloyd.

Last year it was Richmond's pressure footy and elite transition through handball which won the club its first flag in 37 years.

In round 15 against Sydney, Jack Riewoldt was lauded for his 23-disposal, 16-mark outing. He only kicked three goals, but the eye test told you Riewoldt played an outstanding game.

Three goals meant an off day for Lloyd in 2000.

The point is, the game evolves. But that doesn't need to be a bad thing. Someone tell the AFL that, before their tinkering threatens to legitimately make the game a bore.