Satisfied or stumped? How the seven new rules were received in AFL Origin encounter

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... Last disposal Rule: Introduce a Free Kick for the last disposal Out of Bounds in between the 50m arcs The first of the night came against Ed Richards 10 minutes into the first term. A kick off the ground trickled over the boundary, which would've been considered insufficient intent last year and perhaps led to a few extra seconds as players sat waiting for the umpire's call. Instead, Brad Hill was able to grab possession and move the ball in an instant, keeping the game flowing and at a quick tempo with no resistance. In the second quarter, an under-the-pump Jack Sinclair opted to tap the ball back into play as opposed to letting a Max Holmes kick go over the line, avoiding a free kick to WA. The manoeuvre is exactly what the AFL would have wanted to see, with players opting against taking the boundary and bringing play to a halt. One point of confusion arose in the third term when a grounded ball ricocheted off Zak Butters' foot and went out of bounds. Western Australia was awarded possession, signalling accidental grounded kicks will be factored in as disposals for the new rule. Overall, the rule seemingly helped keep possession away from the boundary line and kept play flowing, as intended. 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. Shrugging in the tackle Rule: A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed Prior Opportunity (i.e., as an attempt to evade or fend an opponent) There didn't seem to be a standout contentious incident from the night relating to the new shrugging/holding the ball interpretation. West Coast captain Liam Baker was pinged for holding the ball in the third term after managing to avoid a Toby Greene tackle, only for Bailey Smith to soon benefit from Baker's first evasion with his own tackle attempt immediately after. The decision seemed fair, and, perhaps, one that would've still been paid last year. https://twitter.com/7AFL/status/2022621688244879777?s=20 Ruck nominations Rule: Around the ground, the Umpire may restart play without a nominated Ruck being present A change most footy fans have been calling for, and it was evident the change was a positive one. No hold-ups for rucks to get to the contest, and, therefore, quicker game restarts. Thumbs up. Centre ball-up contests Rule: At all centre ball-ups, a competing Ruck cannot cross the Centre Circle line and engage with the opposition Ruck, prior to contesting the football A clear change in how the rucks went about their business in the middle, with Darcy Cameron seemingly taking advantage immediately in his battle with Max Gawn. Gawn's game grew across the night, being the more athletic option of the two. Tim English, a player who should thrive with a greater focus on leaping for hitouts instead of the more physical trend of recent years, couldn't quite have the same impact as the other two. Tristan Xerri managed just the nine hitouts and one clearance, which are well below his 2025 averages, but take that how you want with a game like this. Aligned kick-in times Rule: Align the interpretation of ‘reasonable time' for a Player to bring the football back into play from a Behind being scored and the time allowed for a set Kick around the ground. Currently, reasonable time for kick-ins is 12 seconds, whereas around the ground is eight (8) seconds. Players will now be allowed eight (8) seconds in both instances. Was slightly noticeable, with perhaps a small degree of extra pressure put on the kick-ins given the smaller window before play-on was called. Subtle and satisfactory. 6-6-6 change Rule: Remove the requirement for a Player to start in the Goal Square at each centre ball-up Out of sight. Out of mind. Will cut down game duration across the course of the year to be a little win overall.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Satisfied or stumped? How the seven new rules were received in AFL Origin encounter

The league’s newest rule changes and interpretations were on display on Saturday night.

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