The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced significant rule changes for the 2026 season, including the elimination of the traditional centre bounce and the substitution rule. Instead, teams will now have five players on the bench. These changes were revealed on Wednesday, with the AFL citing umpire health and safety as key reasons for the decision.
The league confirmed that umpires will no longer be required to bounce the ball to restart play during elite-level matches. This decision, according to new AFL football boss Greg Swann, aims to create consistency across all competitions and improve the safety and effectiveness of umpiring.
Rationale Behind the Changes
Greg Swann explained that the centre bounce, while a longstanding tradition in Australian football, has become a barrier to the progression of umpiring talent. “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,” Swann stated.
Swann highlighted that the skill required for the bounce is complex and limits the pool of potential elite umpires. “Currently, umpire pathways are being narrowed by the requirement of the bounce. It is a difficult skill to execute, and we believe it is preventing some of our best umpiring prospects from progressing any further in the AFL pathway despite having elite decision-making skills,” he added.
“By removing the skill aspect of bouncing the ball, umpires can focus their energy on adjudicating the game and consistency of decision making.” – Greg Swann
Impact on Game Dynamics
Swann also noted that removing the bounce could reduce collisions between umpires and players, enhancing safety. “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,” he said.
The elimination of the bounce is expected to shorten game durations and improve the fairness of ruck contests. “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,” Swann explained.
Substitute Rule Revisions
Alongside the removal of the centre bounce, the AFL has decided to scrap the substitute rule, a move that has been welcomed by many coaches. This year, several coaches, including Geelong’s Chris Scott, have voiced their disapproval of the substitute rule. In response, clubs will now field 23 players in their match-day teams, including five on 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,” Swann said, acknowledging the input from various stakeholders in the league.
Looking Ahead
While these changes are set to be implemented in 2026, the AFL is still considering the introduction of the ‘last disposal’ out-of-bounds rule, which is already in use in the AFLW and the second-tier SANFL. A decision on this rule is expected after the next AFL Commission meeting later this month.
The announcement of these rule changes marks a significant shift in the AFL’s approach to game management and player welfare. As the league continues to evolve, these adjustments reflect a broader trend towards enhancing the safety, consistency, and overall quality of the sport.
As the AFL prepares for these changes, the focus will remain on ensuring that the transition is smooth for players, umpires, and fans alike. The league’s commitment to adapting the game to modern demands while respecting its rich history will be closely watched by all stakeholders involved.
