Longer AFLW quarters to give scoring a boost

The 2023 AFLW season is set to experience a scoring boost after the AFL Commission agreed to extend the length of matches by about eight minutes.

Under new rules introduced on Thursday, quarter lengths will be increased by about two minutes per term, taking into account stoppages.

With scoring generally easier later in terms when players are more tired, the extra two minutes per quarter is expected to lead to an important increase in scoring – a welcome addition given the low-scoring nature of AFLW matches.

The length of the interval at quarter time and three-quarter time will be reduced from six minutes and 30 seconds down to six minutes, with the length of the half-time break reduced from 16 minutes to 14 minutes.

An interchange cap will be introduced, allowing 60 rotations per match.

There will also be a cap on runners accessing the field of play.

The boundary throw-ins will also be tweaked.

Instead of boundary umpires moving in 10m to throw the ball back into play all over the field, they will now only do it for throws-ins outside the 50m arcs.

Boundary throw ins within the 50m arcs will be completed from the boundary line.

The existing ‘last touch out of bounds’ rule will still apply between the 50m arcs.

“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,” AFL acting football manager Laura Kane said in a statement.

“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.”