The AFL will introduce nine new rule and interpretation changes for 2019, including starting positions for
The hands-in-the-back rule will also be scrapped.
It is hoped the package of changes will produce more free-flowing, instinctive football and more one-on-one contests.
The League advised clubs on Thursday that the Commission had approved the changes after more than a year of consultation by the game analysis team headed by AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking.
The Commission did not approve the 18m goalsquare recommended by the game analysis team via the club-based Competition
FIVE DAY BREAK More Thursday night footy planned for 2019
Under the changes, the man on the mark will be positioned an extra five
As expected, ‘traditional’ playing positions will be enforced at
Players will also be given more space to take their kick after marking or receiving a free kick deep in
Around-the-body set shots after the siren will also be allowed, while the hands-in-the-back interpretation at marking contests and prior opportunity interpretation at ruck contests will be relaxed.
"We have listened to our fans, players, coaches, umpires
"We all want more of what makes our game great – free-flowing passages of play, one-on-one contests, and players having space to play on instinct.
"These changes are about giving players the best chance to play the best game, and giving the fans more of what they love."
THE CHANGES
Traditional playing positions at
- Clubs must have six players inside both 50m arcs, with one player inside the goalsquare.
- Four midfield players must start inside the
centre square with the two wingmen stationed along the wing.
Kick-ins
- At kick-ins, a player will no longer need to kick to himself to play on from the goalsquare.
- Following a behind, the man on the mark will be brought out to 10m from the top of the goalsquare, rather than the existing five
metres .
Marks and free kicks in
- When defenders mark or receive a free kick within nine
metres of their own goal, the man on the mark will be brought in line with the top of the goalsquare.
Runners and water carriers
- Team runners may only enter the playing surface after a goal has been kicked and must exit before play restarts.
- Water carriers are not permitted to enter the playing surface during live play.
Umpire contact
- Players will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at
centre bounces.
50m penalties
- The player with the ball:
- Must be allowed to advance the mark by 50m without the infringing player delaying the game.
- Will be able to play on while the 50m penalty is being measured out.
Kicking for goal after the siren
- 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
- BUT must kick the ball directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal.
Marking contests
- The 'hands in the back’ rule interpretation
has been repealed so a player can now:
- Place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a marking contest
- PROVIDED he does not push his opponent in the back.
Ruck contests: prior opportunity
- A ruckman who takes direct possession of the ball from a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had
prior opportunity. - Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated ruckman, the ruckman for each team will still be required to nominate to the field umpire.
