**AFL Eliminates Centre Bounce and Substitute Rule for 2026** The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced significant changes for the 2026 season, eliminating the centre bounce and the substitute rule. This decision follows extensive discussions and feedback from players, coaches, and officials. Starting next season, games will begin with the ball being thrown into the air, similar to the practice already in place in the AFL Women’s league. Greg Swann, the AFL’s executive general manager of football performance, explained that the centre bounce has been a longstanding tradition in Australian Football. However, he noted that the game has evolved, and the change will benefit various aspects of play. "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," Swann said. He emphasized that the skill required for the bounce has limited the development of umpiring talent. "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," he added. Swann also mentioned that removing the centre bounce is expected to enhance safety for both umpires and players during contests. He anticipates that this change will lead to a reduction in game length and create a more consistent ruck contest. In addition to the centre bounce, the AFL will also eliminate the substitute rule. Teams will now have a five-player interchange bench instead of a designated substitute. This change aims to streamline player rotations and address concerns raised by coaches and players alike. Geelong coach Chris Scott previously criticized the substitute rule after the grand final, where he faced challenges in making substitutions due to injury assessments. He expressed relief at the removal of the rule, stating, "I will be rapt to see the back of the sub rule" after experiencing difficulties during the game. The substitute rule had been reintroduced in 2021, initially for concussion and injury management, and later expanded to allow for tactical substitutions. The AFL's decision to remove both the centre bounce and the substitute rule marks a significant shift in the league's approach to gameplay and officiating.