2 days ago
AFLW introduces future pick trading, pre-season draft, as part of 2025 rule changes
AFLW clubs will soon be able to trade future picks as part of the evolution of player movement ticked off by the AFL Commission on Wednesday.
Following consultation with clubs, a pre-season draft will also be introduced, along with a handful of rule changes and interpretations.
Previously, AFLW clubs have been handicapped by the ability to only trade picks in the upcoming draft. Just last year, Paige Scott was forced to delist themselves and nominate for the draft when the forward's trade from Essendon to Richmond fell through.
Now, with the introduction of future pick trading, clubs will have the flexibility to trade their future first round selection or their future second round selection, but not both.
Clubs must also ensure they maintain a presence in the first round for at least two years across a five-year period, unless otherwise approved, to aid list regeneration. Board approval will also be required in the exchange of first round picks.
A pre-season draft will also replace the supplementary selection period next year, giving clubs the chance to cover list gaps from the off-season.
'Following the transition to a National Draft last season, these changes are further recognition of the greater sophistication that is being established in the AFLW competition and specifically within player movement,' AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations Laura Kane said.
'Introducing future pick trading means creating more trade collateral and levers for clubs to pull, giving them greater ability to make list management decisions and in turn, more opportunity for player movement.'
The AFL Commission has also approved one rule change aimed at reducing congestion. Where a stoppage occurs within 10m of the boundary between the 50m arcs, the ball up will occur 10m inside the boundary.
'Data shows us that secondary stoppage rates are higher when the ball up is close to the boundary and scoring rates are lower, so the introduction of the on-field rule change is aimed at opening up space around stoppages close to the boundary line where the stoppage is denser,' Kane said.
In further changes aimed at reducing density, three further umpiring interpretations will be introduced in 2025:
• Ruck Nomination: Once a ruck nomination has been received from each team, the umpire will restart play, regardless of whether the nominated players are in the area to contest the ball up or throw in.
• No Genuine Attempt: Umpires will be stricter on players who do not make a genuine attempt to dispose of the ball when tackled legally with no prior opportunity.
• Dive/Drag: Umpires will be stricter on players who dive on or drag the ball in and do not immediately knock the ball clear when tackled legally.
