Today the AFL announced a raft of additional rule changes to come into effect for the 2026 Men’s season.
The rule changes:
- Last disposal rule
- Goalsquare starting positions
- Centre square ball-up
- Aligned kick-in times
- Ruck nominations
- Shrugging in the tackle
- The stand rule
The most dramatic rule change will be the introduction of a free kick to be awarded when the ball crosses the boundary line from a disposal between the 50m arcs, bringing the men's game in line with the current AFLW rule. However, if a player doesn’t play the ball or blocks an opponent before the ball crosses the line, a normal boundary throw in will occur.
In a further rule change, there will no longer be a requirement for at least one player from each team to start in the goal square, despite the retention of the 6-6-6 rule.
At centre ball-ups, competing rucks will now be unable to cross the centre line before engaging with their opposition ruck.
For kick-ins, players will now be allowed eight seconds to retrieve the ball and return it to the field of play. This was previously 12 seconds, with the AFL hoping this will reduce the overall match time.
The ruck nomination rule has also changed, with the umpires now able to restart play without a nominated ruckman being present. If there is no nomination, or the ruckman is too far away, play will start immediately.
A ‘shrug’ in a tackle will now be determined as prior opportunity. It will be adjudicated similar to how a fend or an attempt to evade a tackle is umpired, and therefore holding the ball should be awarded to the tackling team.
Finally, there has been a slight amendment to the ‘stand rule’. According to the rule change, if a player is within 5 metres of a mark or free kick when it is paid, they will be required to ‘stand’ and can no longer reverse to being ‘outside five’. This will essentially be a stronger enforcement of players being told to 'stand' if they are inside the protected area.
AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance Greg Swann said the changes have been made following significant consultation.
"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."
Earlier this month the AFL announced the centre bounce and sub rule will both be scrapped for the beginning of the 2026 men’s season.
