The AFL today announced the introduction of future pick trading in the NAB AFLW Competition and an AFLW Pre-Season Draft, as well as one on-field rule change and several umpiring interpretation changes.
Within the introduction of future pick trading in the AFLW, Clubs will be permitted to trade their future first-round selection or their future second-round selection, but not both.
Board approval will be required for the trading of future first-round selections, and Clubs must have a presence in the first round for at least two years within a five-year period unless otherwise approved.
The AFLW Pre-Season Draft will replace the Supplementary Selection Period, with dates for the Pre-Season Draft to be confirmed.
The Swans, with a high number of talented academy players, will benefit from trading in future first-rounders to bolster their draft hand this year. The future trading picks will give the Swans greater flexibility in deals and a wider range of picks at the trade table.
A new rule has been introduced for the upcoming season regarding stoppages near the boundary line. The on-field rule change that has been introduced for the 2025 NAB AFLW Season will mean that for stoppages that occur within 10 metres of the boundary between the 50m arcs, the ball up will take place 10 metres inside the boundary.
The following umpiring interpretations will be applied:
- Ruck Nomination: Once a ruck nomination has been received from each team, the umpire will restart play, regardless of whether the nominated players are in the area to contest the throw-up or throw-in.
- No Genuine Attempt: Umpires will be stricter on players who do not make a genuine attempt to dispose of the ball when tackled legally with no prior opportunity.
- Dive/Drag: Umpires will be stricter on players who dive on or drag the ball in and do not immediately knock the ball clear when tackled legally.
The Sydney Swans AFLW season gets underway against Richmond on Friday, August 15 at North Sydney Oval.
Sydney AFLW memberships are available here.
