The AFL has confirmed it will introduce a last touch out-of-bounds rule in 2026, with changes also to the nomination of a ruckman at stoppages around the ground and kick-in times in a bid to “enhance the flow” of the game and make matches shorter.

Seven changes will come into force next season as part of moves from new football boss Greg Swann to remove as much wasted time as possible.

That includes umpires being able to restart play with a ball-up without a nominated ruck being present while also stopping ruckmen crossing the centre circle line before engaging with their opposition ruck at centre square ball-ups, having also scrapped the bounce.

There will also no longer be a requirement for teams to have at least one player per team to start under the 6-6-6 rule, and teams will be giv

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