This the end of wrestling ruckman. Sorry ROB
www.afl.com.au
29.10.2025
Changes to Laws of Australian Football and Umpiring Processes/Laws Interpretations
Following the October AFL Commission meeting changes to the Laws of Australian Football, Umpiring processes and/or Laws interpretations for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season have been made.
The below changes come into effect after extensive industry consultation involving all 18 Clubs, umpires, players, and the AFLPA, and are in addition two previous changes relating to the removal of the centre bounce and the substitute:
"The changes have been made with a focus on making the game easier for our umpires to adjudicate and also reducing total match length," said Mr Swann.
"Streamlining procedures such as stoppages and centre ball ups will enhance the flow of the game for players and fans alike.
“We have consulted clubs and other industry stakeholders over the past six months and taken on board their feedback and ideas and we believe these changes will make a positive impact on the game."
Clubs will be taken through the changes in more detail ahead of the return of pre-season training programs.
For those rules not already in play in the AFLW, the AFLW Laws of the Game Committee and Competition Committee will discuss the relevance and impact of additional changes on the competition before a decision is made on any relevant implementation to the NAB AFLW.
Watch examples of the seven rule changes that will impact 2026
Ruck contests, the stand rule, and the 'last disposal' out of bounds rule are among a host of changes ahead of 2026
www.afl.com.au
29.10.2025
Changes to Laws of Australian Football and Umpiring Processes/Laws Interpretations
Following the October AFL Commission meeting changes to the Laws of Australian Football, Umpiring processes and/or Laws interpretations for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season have been made.
The below changes come into effect after extensive industry consultation involving all 18 Clubs, umpires, players, and the AFLPA, and are in addition two previous changes relating to the removal of the centre bounce and the substitute:
- Remove the requirement for a Player to start in the Goal Square at each centre ball-up;
- Introduce a Free Kick for the last disposal Out of Bounds in between the 50m arcs;
- At all centre ball-ups, a competing Ruck cannot cross the Centre Circle line and engage with the opposition Ruck, prior to contesting the football;
- Around the ground, the Umpire may restart play without a nominated Ruck being present;
- A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed Prior Opportunity (i.e., as an attempt to evade or fend an opponent);
- A Player must stand if they are within the Protected Area (i.e., within five metres) when a Mark or Free Kick occurs;
- Align 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. Currently, reasonable time for kick-ins is 12 seconds, whereas around the ground is eight (8) seconds. Players will now be allowed eight (8) seconds in both instances.
"The changes have been made with a focus on making the game easier for our umpires to adjudicate and also reducing total match length," said Mr Swann.
"Streamlining procedures such as stoppages and centre ball ups will enhance the flow of the game for players and fans alike.
“We have consulted clubs and other industry stakeholders over the past six months and taken on board their feedback and ideas and we believe these changes will make a positive impact on the game."
Clubs will be taken through the changes in more detail ahead of the return of pre-season training programs.
For those rules not already in play in the AFLW, the AFLW Laws of the Game Committee and Competition Committee will discuss the relevance and impact of additional changes on the competition before a decision is made on any relevant implementation to the NAB AFLW.
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