The AFL Commission has approved two changes to the Laws of Australian Football and AFL Regulations which will see the discontinuation of the centre bounce and the removal of the substitute for the 2026 Toyota Premiership Season.

The decision to remove the centre bounce was made after careful consideration of several factors including, umpire health and safety, creating consistency across all competitions, expanding and diversifying elite umpire pathways and reducing the overall match length.

The removal of the substitute means Clubs will name 23 players, with five players named on the interchange bench from next season.

The changes follow extensive consultation with Clubs, umpires, players and the AFLPA.

AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance Greg Swann said the removal of the centre bounce will bring a number of benefits to the game.

“The centre bounce has long been a part of Australian Football tradition, but as the game has evolved, there are several areas which will benefit from allowing umpires to simply throw the ball up at the restart,” said Mr Swann.

“Currently, umpire pathways are being narrowed by the requirement of the bounce. It is a difficult skill to execute, and we believe is preventing some of our best umpiring prospects from progressing any further in the AFL pathway despite having elite decision-making skills.

“By removing the skill aspect of bouncing the ball, umpires can focus their energy on adjudicating the game and consistency of decision making.

“We also anticipate this decision will be safer for umpires and players at the contest and lessen the likelihood of umpire contact at the restart.

“The removal of the bounce we predict will also have a positive impact in the reduction of game length and produce a cleaner and fairer ruck contest, two areas we have been monitoring for the past two seasons.

“Additionally, it will also create consistency across national competitions.”

Swann said the removal of the substitute will extend the interchange bench.
 
“We have listened to the feedback from players, the Clubs and the AFLPA to remove the substitute in favour of a fifth interchange player with rotations to remain the same.”

Any additional changes to Laws of the Game will be communicated following the October Commission meeting.