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AFL confirms two significant rule changes
SEN • October 1st, 2025 1:37 pm
Greg Swann’s first moves as the AFL’s head of football have landed, with two key areas of the game scrapped ahead of the 2026 season.
Both the iconic centre bounce and the substitute rule will no longer feature in AFL games, with the AFL Commission approving the changes following consultation with clubs, umpires, players and the AFLPA.
Swann explained his decision behind the changes within an AFL release on Wednesday morning.
“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,” said Mr Swann.
“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.
“We also anticipate this decision will be safer for umpires and players at the contest and lessen the likelihood of umpire contact at the restart.
“The removal of the bounce we predict will also have a positive impact in the reduction of game length and produce a cleaner and fairer ruck contest, two areas we have been monitoring for the past two seasons.
“Additionally, it will also create consistency across national competitions.”
Swann said the removal of the substitute will extend the interchange bench.
“We have listened to the feedback from players, the Clubs and the AFLPA to remove the substitute in favour of a fifth interchange player with rotations to remain the same.”
