The AFL is reviewing potential rule changes in its women’s competition to make it easier for Irish players to express their style, recognizing the nearly 50 former Gaelic footballers currently in the AFLW.
One key difference between the two codes—beyond the shape of the ball and field—is the requirement in Australian rules for players to bounce the ball after running more than 15 metres.
In Gaelic football, a player who runs more than four strides may bounce the ball to avoid conceding a free kick. They also have the option of kicking the ball to themselves, a maneuver known as a “solo.”
Geelong’s Rachel Kearns, an Irish import, executed two solos during a 30-metre run in her team’s win over the Western Bulldogs on Friday.
Although the umpires did not award a free kick to the Bulldogs, the display of Gaelic skill drew widespread praise.
Laura Kane, the AFLW’s executive general manager, said the league is open to adjusting its rules to permit the solo as an alternative to the bounce in the women’s competition.
“It’s not allowed right now, and it’s not allowed through the next four weeks, just to be clear—I’ve been asked to say that,” Kane stated at the AFLW finals launch on Wednesday.
“But more than 45 Irish players contribute to our game right now. We’ll have a look at it.”
AFL laws specifically prohibit the solo. A free kick is awarded if a player fails to bounce or touch the ball on the ground at least once every 15 metres. The rules also state that kicking or handballing the ball to oneself is not an exception.
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Jasmine Garner, captain of North Melbourne, praised Kearns’ ability and encouraged the league to allow the solo. “I actually like it,” she said. “[Kearns] did run too far, but if it’s in the rules and you can do that, I think it’d be great for the game. Why not? Yeah, change the rules, and it’s exciting to watch.”
North Melbourne ended the home-and-away season atop the ladder and is aiming to win a third consecutive premiership.
Kane said the AFLW finals will showcase the league’s momentum, noting the season drew “the most fans we’ve ever had in terms of crowds, the highest scoring games we’ve ever had, [and] six strong Victorian teams.”
She added that the league is considering moving up the start date of next year’s women’s season to allow for more double-headers with the AFL.
The grand final will again be held at Ikon Park despite calls to relocate it to the AFL-owned Marvel Stadium. Kane said the league is prioritizing double-headers at tier-one venues, signaling a likely return to Ikon.
“At the moment, we are focusing on double headers at our tier one stadia,” she said. “We’re comfortable with the venues that we play AFLW at, but that doesn’t mean we won’t continue to explore [Marvel Stadium] into the future.”
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