SANFL 2026

[Booney]

sAnFL*

SANFL will introduce rule changes for the 2026 Hostplus SANFL League season after they were approved by the South Australian Football Commission.

The adjustments will be implemented across all grades of SANFL’s Men’s and Women’s competitions to align with the majority of the AFL’s rule changes for next season.

SANFL will retain its successful Last Possession Out of Bounds Rule, introduced in 2016, across the entire field while the removal of the substitute is not applicable.

SANFL will continue to have four players on its interchange bench for the Men’s competition and five for the Women’s competition.

”We expect the changes to have a positive influence as they are designed to increase ball-in-play time, reduce match duration, and enhance the viewing experience for fans,” SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said.

”The simplified rules and interpretations will assist umpires and reduce confusion for players and coaches. It’s important to adopt the majority of AFL changes to ensure consistency with the elite level, supporting player development and transition.”

See below for SANFL’s rule changes in 2026.

Centre Bounce removed
The centre bounce will be replaced by a ball-up. Rucks will not be permitted to cross the centre circle line before engaging to win the hit out.

Rationale: Simplifies the restart process, reduces umpire workload and improves consistency in ruck contests.

Ruck nominations
If a nominated ruck is not in the vicinity of the stoppage, the field umpire will still throw the ball up i.e. will not wait for both rucks to be ready.

Rationale: Reduces time where the field umpire is waiting for the ruck(s) to get into position, aligns with successful trial during AFLW season.

Goal Square starting position removed
A player no longer has to start in the goal square at centre ball-ups.

Rationale: Streamlines player positioning, saves time, and removes unnecessary stoppages.

Kick-in time reduced
After a behind, a player will now have their decision-making time reduced from 12 to eight seconds.

Rationale: Accelerates ball movement, increases ball-in-play time. Aligns with what the players must adhere to after a mark or free kick in general play.

Protected area enforcement
Players who are within five metres, or move within five metres of where a mark or free kick is paid, must stand still.

Rationale: Clarifies the ‘stand’ rule, reduces confusion, and improves umpiring consistency.

Shrugging in a tackle
A shrug – often including the raising of an arm which contributes to the tackle becoming high – will now count as prior opportunity when an umpire makes a decision on holding-the-ball.

Rationale: Discourages players attempting to draw high-contact free kicks, promotes fair tackling and simplifies adjudication.

[pmackk]

Any idea when the fixture will be released I’m guessing in the new year?

[PatowalongaPirate]

Any idea when the fixture will be released I’m guessing in the new year?

Last year it was released about a week before Christmas.

[wenchbarwer]

I like the ruck rules, but I have a feeling big Harry might not be as dominant as his Magarey year

[DOC]

My query on the protected zone.

You can enter it but you have to stand. When? Immediately. ? When the umpire calls stand?

[dedja]

My query on the protected zone.

You can enter it but you have to stand. When? Immediately. ? When the umpire calls stand?

The king daddy of rule stupidness.

[gadj1976]

My query on the protected zone.

You can enter it but you have to stand. When? Immediately. ? When the umpire calls stand?

I like how they've introduced another ruling that does nothing to ease the adjudication of the initial ruling.

[mal]

The AFL by changing rules, can hardly expect all other comps to keep up
Are the above 2026 rules and other rules changed in Amateur leagues and Junior Football as well ?

[UK Fan]

Not good!!

West Adelaide

“A council’s grand vision for a $30 million sports facility upgrade has collapsed after it couldn’t secure government funding.”

[Thiele]

Not good!!

West Adelaide

“A council’s grand vision for a $30 million sports facility upgrade has collapsed after it couldn’t secure government funding.”

Very annoyed with this. So close to getting the upgrade we desperately we need.