What is the stand rule when a mark or free kick is paid?

After a mark or free kick, one opposition player may stand on the mark (or be directed where to go by the umpire). Every other opposition player must be behind the mark or outside the protected area, a corridor 10 metres either side of the mark and 5 metres behind it, running to 10 metres either side of the player with the ball.

No one may enter and stay in the protected area unless the umpire calls "play on", or they are accompanying or following within 2 metres of their direct opponent. Anyone caught in it must make every endeavour to get out immediately.

For 2026 the AFL tightened the "stand" instruction: a player told to stand now has to stand and can no longer step back to the "outside five" area. The aim is to speed up play and encourage players to take the game on.

Breaking these requirements (for example moving off the mark or not leaving the protected area) brings a 50-metre penalty.

Sources: Laws of Australian Football 2026, Laws 19.2 and 20.1; AFL.com.au, "Seven rule changes: AFL to crack down on dead time in games in 2026" (https://www.afl.com.au/news/1447460/seven-rules-changes-afl-to-crack-down-on-dead-time-in-games-in-2026).