It will be a season of change for scoring in AFL Fantasy in 2026, multiple rule changes and adjustments to the game are set to be introduced that may have an impact for several players across the competition.Â
SUB RULE
Finally the sub rule has been removed and transitioned to 5 players on the bench with overwhelming support from AFL coaches.Â
We now move from known information which is a starting sub and one player to be removed from the game at some stage to unknown information of playing time which could vary enormously for a group of players.
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New draftees have previously been used as a starting sub at a moderate rate which has impacted their usage across several fantasy formats, the move to 5 players on the bench may seem appealing initially but realistically there could be a wide range of outcomes based on the ability for players in their first season to adapt and be ready for strong game minutes if required.Â
New draftees may now be held back from making an early debut except for those that are at elite fitness and ability when drafted, young players entering the AFL system for the first time complete approximately 80% of pre-season compared to more experienced players.Â
Player experience may be an option in team selection and override youth.
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Playing time may become an issue for not only new draftees but other players across the league based on each game situation, with the extra player available on the bench at all times AFL coaches may use rotations in a variety of ways.Â
Luke Beveridge has stated previously that he may not use the 5th player until late in the game, multiple coaches this year have suggested the use of a second ruck in the team which may disrupt scoring for multiple players at that position.Â
Managing players out of the game if no injuries have occurred may also become more frequent.Â
There will be limited information and data available on the impact of 5 players on the bench starting the 2026 season with adjustments likely throughout the season and into 2027.Â
AFL coaches will have their own theories on how to maximise their playing output with the extra player now available.
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LAST DISPOSAL
Last disposal that crosses the boundary line free kick between the 50m arcs is also set to be introduced or considered in 2026, basically umpires have been paying this free kick across the 2025 season so there shouldn’t be too much of an impact from a fantasy perspective.
AFL EGM of Football Greg Swann stated in early October introducing last disposal between the 50m arcs would result in an extra 2-3 free kicks per game.Â
IMPROVING GAME LENGTH
While games won’t be shortened in 2026 the amount of time to complete a game minimising wastage of time will be identified and implemented as a priority.Â
Once such adjustment that may impact players in fantasy is the removal of the ruck nomination and throwing the ball up quicker instead of waiting around each time allowing for more congestion and adding to the time it requires to complete a game.Â
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The time saved by removing the ruck nomination and throwing the ball up quicker may be only seconds but it may be time enough for a ruck not to arrive at the contest which may result in few fantasy scoring opportunities.
Teams may opt for a designated ruck option in certain areas of the ground rather than requiring a ruck to attend most stoppages.Â
October 1, 2025: The AFL has confirmed the removal of the AFL sub and and throwing the ball up at all times.
Article by @aflratingsPete
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