THE AFL announced on Thursday that interchange caps will be imposed on AFLW, beginning in the 2023 season. 

Previously, no such cap existed for the women’s competition, however an interchange limit of 60 rotations per team is set to be introduced.  

Alongside the interchange cap, breaks in between terms have been adjusted, to allow for slightly longer quarters. 

Rules on how much runners can access the ground have also been altered, as have the fines structure for on-field offences and the positioning of umpires for boundary throw-ins. 

Interchange boards are also now permitted for AFLW teams, to display messages to players from the bench. 

AFL acting executive general manager of football Laura Kane said the suite of rule adjustments is designed to improve the quality of the on-field product and the competitive balance of the competition. 

“These rule adjustments will give supporters more of what they love – a balance between attack and defence, improved strategic tension, and encourage more instinctive play,” Kane said. 

“We have undertaken an extensive consultation process as we worked through these adjustments, including thorough discussions with AFLW senior coaches, AFLW competition committee, and the AFLPA. 

“Restricting runners’ access, extending quarter lengths, and introducing an interchange cap is designed to open up the game, which provides an opportunity for players to compete with more flair and have greater freedom to play on instinct.” 

Visit the womens.afl website for detailed outlines of the rule adjustments.