How is a shrug in the tackle treated in the AFLW in 2026?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- AFLW
- Laws of the Game
- Draft
- All ages
- 2026
- Fans
From the 2026 AFLW season, a shrug while being tackled counts as prior opportunity, because the player is trying to evade or fend off the opponent. That means a player who shrugs the tackler and then fails to dispose of the ball legally can be penalised for holding the ball. The change matches the men's competition.
Source: AFL.com.au, "Four rule alterations announced ahead of 2026 AFLW season".
Added 24 Oct 2026