The AFL has made a number of rule changes for the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Competition.
Eight of the nine AFL rule changes approved by the AFL Commission last month have been adopted by the AFLW, while three AFLW specific rules have been modified.
Two of the biggest changes see boundary throw-ins brought in 10
Rule Changes specific to AFL Women’s:
Runners and Water Carriers
The AFLW will still allow runners and water carriers to enter the playing surface during live play due to warmer weather conditions during the summer months and the extra instruction the players require during the match.
Last Disposal between the arcs
Adjusted from 2018, the last touch rule now only applies between the
Throw-Ins to be brought in 10
All boundary throw-ins will take place 10
Adopted AFL rules:
Traditional Playing Positions at Centre Bounce (5,6,5)
Clubs must have five players inside both
Kick-Ins
For kick-ins from a behind, a player will no longer need to kick to herself to play on out of the goal square. Following a behind, the player on the mark will be positioned 10
Marks / Free Kicks
For all defenders who take a mark or gain a free kick within nine
Umpire Contact
Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at each
Stricter on the infringing player, allowing the player with the ball to advance the mark by 50
Kicking for Goal post-siren – Centre of Goal Line
A player who has been awarded a mark or free kick once play has ended will now be able to kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick. The player shall dispose of the football directly in line with the player on the mark and the goal.
Marking Contest
‘Hands in the back’ rule interpretation to be repealed, allowing a player to place her hands on the back of her opponent to protect her position in a marking contest but not to push the player in the back.
Ruck Contests – Prior Opportunity
A ruck player who takes possession of the football while contesting a bounce or throw up by a field umpire or a boundary
Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said that the women’s game would benefit from the changes overseen by the football department and were welcomed by the AFLW Competition Committee.
“Our players and fans are very excited about the coming season, with two new teams in an exciting fixture, and rule changes that will encourage good football,” Ms. Livingstone said.
“All the rules we have adopted have been
“Our coaches have already been briefed on the rules and will be working with the players during the pre-season in the coming weeks.”
The GIANTS' AFLW players return to the club on Thursday, November 15 for the start of their pre-season.