When is a 50-metre penalty paid after a mark or free kick?

After a mark or free kick has been awarded, the umpire pays a 50-metre penalty in favour of the player if anyone from the opposing team (player or official):

• moves off the mark;
• holds the player after the mark or free kick (unreasonably, if in the immediate contest);
• enters, or does not make every endeavour to leave, the protected area (unless accompanying or following their opponent within 2 metres);
• does not return the ball directly and on the full to the player;
• delays or impedes play; or
• does anything else that would ordinarily earn a free kick.

The umpire advances the mark 50 metres straight towards the centre of the goal line (if the player is already within 50 metres, the mark moves to the centre of the goal line). The clock is stopped while the mark is advanced, and the player may play on at any time. If an opponent impedes or delays the player while the mark is being advanced, a second 50-metre penalty is paid.

Source: Laws of Australian Football 2026, Laws 19.2 and 19.4.