AFL fans got their first 'official' look at the league's seven new rules when Western Australia and Victoria clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
The officiating of the newly introduced last disposal out of bounds was of much focus in the lead-up to AFL Origin, and didn't take long to be part of the night, while the clamp down on the stand rule and shrugging in tackles have also been points of discussion ahead of the new season.
Here's how the AFL's seven newest rules took shape in the earliest look for fans in 2026...
The stand rule
Rule: A Player must stand if they are within the Protected Area (i.e., within five metres) when a Mark or Free Kick occurs
The umpires were quick onto the *whistle* and "stand" for marks and free kicks, and the players were equally switched on. There didn't seem to be any errors or confusion from either party regarding the stricter rule change, with players in the 'protected area' given some leeway as long as there was someone standing the mark.
The change has been a talking point across the course of the summer as AFL umpires have worked with clubs at their respective pre-season programs, so this could still be one to watch in the coming weeks.
