The AFL has confirmed seven rule changes for the 2026 season in a holistic attempt at reducing ‘dead time’.

The league believes the changes — headlined by ‘last disposal out of bounds’ between the 50-metre arcs — will shave as many as three minutes from protracted match lengths, following “extensive industry consultation”.

New centre ball-up contest laws and a stronger emphasis on players occupying the protected area are also among the notable tweaks — which were ratified by the AFL Commission — and communicated to clubs on Wednesday.

Grand Final

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