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 metres from the boundary line, while the last touch rule has been modified to only apply between the fifty metre arcs.

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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 50 metre arcs. When the football crosses the boundary line within the 50 metres arcs, it will be thrown in.

Throw-Ins to be brought in 10 metres
All boundary throw-ins will take place 10 metres from the boundary line. During trials when the ball was thrown in deeper into the corridor, more space was created around the ruck contest and there were fewer second stoppages.

Adopted AFL rules:

Traditional Playing Positions at Centre Bounce (5,6,5)
Clubs must have five players inside both 50-metre arcs, with one player required to be inside the goal square. Four midfielders must be inside the centre square with the Wingers required to be placed somewhere along the centre square Wing.

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 metres from the top of the goal square (currently five metres).

Marks / Free Kicks
For all defenders who take a mark or gain a free kick within nine metres of their own goal, the player on the mark for the attacking team will be brought in line with the top of the goal square.

Umpire Contact
Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at each centre bounce.

50-Metre Penalty
Stricter on the infringing player, allowing the player with the ball to advance the mark by 50 metres without the infringing player delaying the game. In addition, the player with the football will be able to play on during the advancement of the 50-metre penalty. 

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 throw in by a boundary umpire, will not be regarded as having had prior opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated ruck, the ruck for each team will continue to nominate to the field umpire. 

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.

Ms Livingstone said that the Game Analysis Team had looked carefully at data and trends from our first two seasons to help format adjusted rules. 

“All the rules we have adopted have been trialled at both NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and VFLW matches with findings and recommendations communicated with the AFLW Competition Committee throughout the year. 

“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.