The AFL has made a further seven changes to the rules and umpire interpretations for the 2026 season, including more measures to streamline the length of games.
Greg Swann, the league’s executive general manager football performance, said the AFL had consulted widely across the industry.
“Streamlining procedures such as stoppages and centre ball-ups will enhance the flow of the game for players and fans alike,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Marc Pittonet of the Blues and Max Gawn of the Demons compete in the ruck.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The changes are:
- Removing the requirement for a player to start in the goal square at each centre ball-up;
- Introducing a free kick for the last disposal out of bounds in between the 50-metre arcs;
- At all centre ball-ups, a competing ruck cannot cross the centre circle line and engage with the opposition ruck, before contesting the football;
- Around the ground, the umpire may restart play without a nominated ruck present;
- A shrug in a tackle will be deemed as prior opportunity because it is an attempt to evade or fend off a rival player;
- A player must stand if they are within the protected area (within five metres) when a mark or free kick occurs;
- Aligning the interpretation of “reasonable time” for a player to bring the football back into play from a behind being scored and the time allowed for a set kick around the ground, with players to be allowed a maximum of eight seconds in both instances.
More to come