The AFL Has Introduced Nine New Rules

New rules introduced

Image: AAP

The AFL has introduced nine new rules.

AFL General Manager of Football Operations Steven Hocking explained the new rules today.

The 18 metre goal square has not been brought in, but the so-called 6-6-6 rule is in.

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THE NEW RULES:

Playing positions at centre bounces

Clubs must have six players inside each 50 metre arc, with one in the goal square. Four players from each side will be in the centre square with two on the wings.

Kick-ins

Players will no longer need to kick the ball to themselves to play on from the goal square, and the player on the mark will be brought to 10m from the top of the goal square rather than five.

Runners

Runners can only enter the playing surface after a goal has been kicked and have to be off before play starts again, while water carriers can’t come on the ground during live play.

Umpire contact

Players can’t set up behind the umpire at centre bounces.

50m penalties

The player with the ball must allowed to advance the mark by 50m without the infringing player delaying the game, and will be able to play on while the 50m penalty is being measured out.

Kicking for goal after the siren

Players who have taken a mark or have a free kick once play has ended can now kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick, but have to kick the ball directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal.

Marking contests

Players can now put their hands on an opponent’s back to protect his position in a marking contest — as long as he doesn’t push his opponent in the back.

Prior opportunity in ruck contests

Ruckmen who take direct possession of the ball from a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had prior opportunity, and 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.

Tom Browne says that Dayne Beams and Nathan Buckley have repaired the rift in their relationship.