The AFL has confirmed seven rule changes for the 2026 season in a holistic attempt at reducing ‘dead time’.

The league believes the changes — headlined by ‘last disposal out of bounds’ between the 50-metre arcs — will shave as many as three minutes from protracted match lengths, following “extensive industry consultation”.

New centre ball-up contest laws and a stronger emphasis on players occupying the protected area are also among the notable tweaks — which were ratified by the AFL Commission — and communicated to clubs on Wednesday.

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According to AFL research, the Sherrin was ‘in play’ for just 62.9 per cent of games this year — down from 65.4 per cent in 2019. Overall, it found that match length had increased by almost five minutes across the last six seasons.

Below are explanations of the changed rules and interpretations.

Goalsquare starting positions

Change: There will no longer be a requirement for a player to start in the goal square at each centre ball-up.

Last disposal rules

Change: There will now be a free kick paid for the last disposal out of bounds in between the 50m arcs.

Centre ball-up contests

Change: At all centre ball-ups, a competing ruck cannot cross the centre circle line and engage with the opposition ruck, prior to contesting the football.

Aligned kick-in times

Change: Align the interpretation of ‘reasonable time’ for a player to bring the football back into play from a behind being scored and the time allowed for a set kick around the ground. Currently, the reasonable time for kick-ins is 12 seconds, whereas around the ground is eight (8) seconds. Players will now be allowed eight (8) seconds in both instances.

Ruck nominations

Change: Around the ground, the umpire may restart play without a nominated ruck being present.

Shrugging in the tackle

Change: A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed prior opportunity (i.e., as an attempt to evade or fend an opponent).

The stand rule

Change: A player must stand if they are within the protected area (i.e., within five metres) when a mark or free kick occurs.

Wednesday’s confirmation of these changes comes following two previous changes relating to the removal of the centre bounce and the substitute.

“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 AFL Executive General Manager of Football Performance, Greg 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.”

The league added in its statement on Wednesday afternoon: “Clubs will be taken through the changes in more detail ahead of the return of pre-season training programs.

“For those rules not already in play in the AFLW, the AFLW Laws of the Game Committee and Competition Committee will discuss the relevance and impact of additional changes on the competition before a decision is made on any relevant implementation to the NAB AFLW.”