In John Longmire and Paul Roos' dream world there is no substitute in the AFL.
Unfortunately for the premiership-winning mentors, the rule is in place and won't be going away this season.
On Saturday night it meant Sydney's dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes and Melbourne's much-maligned former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts were given the green vests.
Roos suggested it was an attempt to lessen the pressure on Watts but conceded it might have had the opposite effect on the 24-year-old.
"That's why I hate the sub. It drives me mad," Roos said after his side's 38-point loss at the MCG.
"Probably the same reason it drives Steve Johnson mad and drives Adam Goodes mad."
Longmire noted he spent a lot of time coming up with a weekly substitute plan and wished he didn't have to.
"I'm not the only coach that talks about it .. unfortunately someone has got to be the sub," he said.
"He (Goodes) was sub today because we thought that was the best balance for the team.
"He came on and played a half, kicked a goal."
Longmire was non-committal regarding Goodes' role against Geelong on Saturday.
"We'll pick the best team we think will be right for next week," he said.
Goodes opted to play a full match in the seconds earlier this season when faced with the prospect of starting as the substitute against Greater Western Sydney.
Longmire explained that was a unique situation given it was so early in the season.
"Getting some form and fitness is difficult from round one if you're sub, sub, sub," he said.
"This is different, he's played the last three weeks.
"He never said he wasn't going to be sub."
Young gun Luke Parker was impressed with what 355-gamer Goodes managed in the second half against Melbourne.
"He's such a legend and he always has a big influence," Parker told AAP.
"As soon as he comes on he wants to make a statement and he did so tonight."
Meanwhile, Roos said it was impossible for Watts not to be feeling some pressure given the scrutiny that has followed him since the 2008 draft.
"The guy has been criticised for six years .. he's only human," he said.
"If it was me, I'd be in Hawaii by now."
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