Rules

In recent times, the AFL has implemented changes within the rules of the iconic Aussie game through the idea to prevent serious injury. However, this has caused uproar within the nation over accusations that the AFL is slowly "turning into the AFLW".

The history and development of the AFL has been a lengthy process that dates back for over a century, meaning there has been plenty of time for the AFL to adjust and adapt their game to the forever changing society, but members of the community are worried this has gone too far.

Since the AFL's first foundation in 1858, the game has provided a significant and iconic baseline for other variations and adaptations of our great game overtime. Often these variations either make the game more accessible and inclusive to those with either disability, less experience or even different gender, hence the foundation of the NAB AFLW which formally launched in 2017 to make the game more inclusive to female players. 

The rules have often remained the same throughout the development of the game, with some small inclusions of new rules every so often. However the purpose of the rules to promote fairness and help the umpires make decisions remains the same, many players, officials and footy fans believe this has gone far past the line in the AFL. 

The AFLW is the primary variation of the AFL, with certain rule changes in place due to the inexperience of the players and coaches, as well as skill level and ability, however this is a developing side of the game and will only get stronger overtime. Often the AFLW is referred to as the "soft" version due to these rule changes, but AFL officials say that the "unprecedented growth" in the women's side has been a result of these changes. 

Whilst the shell of the game remains the same as it would in the men's to keep the game as original as possible, these rule changes come with a purpose and are designed to be removed once more experience is developed. 

Differences in rules start before the siren sounds, a controversial point which many fans believe makes the AFLW live up to the accusations of it being a "softer game". 

The first major difference with the rules come from the women's side having 2 less players on the field, as AFL is an 18 a side game, whereas AFLW is only 16 a-side. The starting positions for the AFL consists of a 6-6-6 set up, wheres with AFLW it is 5-6-5,  meaning that there is one less player for each team in both the defensive and attacking sectors. 

A major controversial points for many footy fans is that the famous 'holding the ball' rule is surprisingly taken a lot more seriously in the AFLW. AFLW umpires have been seen to call a free kick for the opposing team if any player is seen to make no genuine attempt to get rid of the ball or diving/dragging the ball under them to force a stoppage in hopes to create a faster and more free flowing game, however many believe that this should also be the case for AFL. 

Often AFL umpires are famous for their centre bounces and team advantages when the ball goes towards one side, however this is an aspect that was " bounced out" of the AFLW. Instead of being bounced for the rucks both in the centre circle and any other stoppage, the ball is thrown around 3m into the air for the players to fight for. However in recent times, the AFL have followed in the footsteps of this rule and the iconic centre bounce has been bounced out of the men's competition, casing uproar within the AFL community. 

Boundary throw ins also differ for each variation, another rule that can cause significant controversy. Between the 50-metre arcs, boundary throw-ins happen 10m inside the boundary line, with the aim of landing approximately 25m into the field of play. Inside the forward and defensive 50-metre arcs, the boundary throw-ins happen from the boundary line. If the ball exits the boundary with sufficient evidence, the opposing team gets the ball, however insufficient evidence means that the ball is thrown back into play.

In a recent interview with St Kilda small forward Dan Butler, the frustration that many players feel when on the field was revealed. Dan has had nearly 10 years of experience at a professional level, with many of prior years at a state level, allowing him first hand experience to the recent developments within the AFL. 

Through all of the rule changes and inconsistent umpiring decisions, along with many other players, Dan believes that " it has gradually become and harder to watch and harder to play and adjust to new rules eg, tackling and head hitting, the ground, or when to bump/ pull out of a contest. This is very difficult as it is often a split second decision and we have ben training for 20+ years on certain techniques that are now instinct and hard to eliminate!". 

Some players, like Dan have had multiple years of experience and have seen how these changes have shaped the game that we now know today, but many believe that this is not a good thing. Dan also mentioned he thinks "the game was in a great spot from 2010-2015", implying that AFL officials should bring it back to this stage. However this timeframe is also before the induction of the AFLW, which is where the accusation that the AFL is becoming like the AFLW originates from. 

In 2023, Dan executed a near perfect tackle on Swans star Nick Blakey during a Saints versus Swans clash at Marvel stadium, however received a 3 match suspension that was downgraded to 1 as  the tribunal believed that it was a dangerous tackle as the head made contact with the ground, however this did not result in a concussion. 

With so many rule changes and controversial umpiring moments bringing rivalry, anger and disapointment towards the AFL and the accusation that it "is becoming like the AFLW", there is insufficent evidence to show that this is the case. 

"The purpose of the Laws is to explain how a match of Australian Football is played and seek to ensure that the game of Australian Football is played in a fair manner and a spirit of true sportsmanship; and to prevent injuries to players participating in a Match" was explained by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon in 2023 in an attempt to calm outraged footy fans after a finals umpiring decision cost Adelaide the win in 2024. 

The AFL and AFLW are forever developing games in which can both divide and bring together the nation, however the community believes that more needs to be done to save our great game.