The centre bounce is dead and one of the AFL coaching fraternity’s biggest pet peeve is no more after the AFL announced two key changes for the 2026 season.

The league on Wednesday morning confirmed two changes had been made to the Laws of Australian Football and AFL Regulations, with both the centre bounce and substitute to be discontinued for next season.

The removal of the sub means clubs will now name 23-player line-ups, with interchange benches to feature five players from next season.

Grand Final

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