What rule changes did the AFL make for the 2026 AFLW season?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- AFLW
- Laws of the Game
- Draft
- All ages
- 2026
- Fans
The AFL Commission approved four rule alterations for the 2026 NAB AFLW season, after consulting clubs, umpires, players and the AFLPA. They align the AFLW with changes in the men's competition:
- Rucks at centre ball-ups: rucks may not cross the centre circle line to engage an opponent before contesting the ball.
- Kick-in time: the "reasonable time" for a kick-in drops from about 12 seconds to eight.
- Shrug in the tackle: a shrug counts as prior opportunity.
- Stand rule: a player within five metres of a mark or free kick must stand.
The AFLW does not adopt the men's change to goalsquare starting positions at ball-ups.
Source: https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1479704/four-rule-alterations-announced-ahead-of-2026-aflw-season
Added 24 Oct 2026