AFL makes radical changes set to reshape the game from 2026

The AFL Commission has signed off on two major changes that will reshape the game from the 2026 Toyota Premiership Season.

From next year, the traditional centre bounce will be scrapped, while the substitute rule will be removed in favour of a five-player interchange bench.

The league said the decision followed extensive consultation with clubs, umpires, players and the AFL Players’ Association.

AFL Executive General Manager of Football Performance Greg Swann said the bounce, while iconic, had become a barrier to the modern game.

“The centre bounce has long been a part of Australian Football tradition, but as the game has evolved, there are several areas which will benefit from allowing umpires to simply throw the ball up at the restart,” Mr Swann said.

He said the removal of the bounce would broaden umpire pathways, reduce match length, improve ruck contests and make the game safer for both umpires and players.

“Currently, umpire pathways are being narrowed by the requirement of the bounce. It is a difficult skill to execute, and we believe is preventing some of our best umpiring prospects from progressing any further in the AFL pathway despite having elite decision-making skills.

“By removing the skill aspect of bouncing the ball, umpires can focus their energy on adjudicating the game and consistency of decision making.”

The substitute rule, first introduced in 2011 and reinstated in 2021, will also be removed. Clubs will now select 23 players, with five named on the interchange bench and rotations remaining unchanged.

Swann said this change responded to strong feedback from players, clubs and the AFLPA.

“We have listened to the feedback from players, the clubs and the AFLPA to remove the substitute in favour of a fifth interchange player,” he said.

The AFL said any further changes to the Laws of the Game would be communicated following the October Commission meeting.