It’s the worst rule in footy and has to go – preferably by the weekend.

That’s how Melbourne coach Paul Roos renewed his attack on the substitute rule on Monday, adding there is a consensus that it has “run its race”.

Ahead of his club’s first Friday night match in three seasons, Roos said being able to pick a team and not have the headache over who to hand the vest would benefit everyone.

“It should be abolished this week, it serves no purpose at all,” Roos said on Monday.

“There was merit when it came in with the number of rotations … now you’ve got the restrictions on rotations.

“Last week I probably spent the best part of three, four hours thinking about it … (on) game day, you spend 20 to 30 minutes talking about it in the box.

“It’s the worst rule ever brought into footy.”

Roos suggested the rule affected players across the board, including first-year players like Angus Brayshaw, the Demons’ round three sub, and Sydney great Adam Goodes, who successfully sought a run in the reserves rather than being a sub last weekend.

“Who wants to see Adam Goodes running around in the NEAFL?” Roos asked.

“A young kid like Brayshaw, you’d like to see him play a full game.

“You’re not even picking your best 21, you’re working out loads and all those sorts of things.”

Roos said realistically it wouldn’t be tossed out this week but he couldn’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has told clubs to expect a ruling on the 2016 interchange cap before the end of the season.

But that won’t arrive before Friday night, when the Demons share the MCG with Richmond.

Not since round seven 2012 have Melbourne enjoyed the Friday night lights and Roos said it brought a little bit extra to the week.

“It gives you a bit of relevance, everyone’s fighting for space and relevance,” he said.

“We feel like we’re playing some good footy and Richmond are as well so our responsibility is to turn up and put a good brand of footy out there.”

Roos confirmed tall utility Sam Frost, who was subbed out of their round three loss to Adelaide, would miss up to six weeks with a broken foot.

Max Gawn, Cameron Pedersen and Jake Fitzpatrick are among the contenders to replace Frost.