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...
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.
