Rule changes have helped increase scoring in the AFLW this season, but they’re not the only reason for the improved spectacle of the game.
Lack of big scores was a major concern for the AFL over the first few seasons of its women’s league. Tight games and low scoring can be enthralling to watch, but AFL fans are accustomed to high-scoring, fast-paced matches.
AFLW was first played at summer, meaning athletes often faced temperatures over 30 degrees, and because of that heat, the quarters were restricted to 15 minutes. Then, when the season was moved to cooler months and the fitness of players improved, the short quarters failed to produce enough fatigue in players. Without that fatigue, the pressure around the ball could be maintained for longer, and the games became scrappy, congested affairs.16.10 : Adelaide v GWS at Manuka Oval, R4, 2023.15.
The final rule change was to boundary throw-ins inside the 50-metre zones at each end of the ground. Boundary umpires previously came in 10 metres from the boundary to throw the ball in. This disadvantaged the attacking team, as the ball landed further from goal. Now the umpire throws the ball in from the boundary line, making the ball fall in a much more dangerous position to score.Across the competition, average team scores have increased from 31.7 to 41.4 – an increase of 30.
It’s also worth noting that there’s been a 21.7 per cent spike in scores from turnover, which could factor in fatigue and more mistakes being made by players, but also the type of game style teams are adopting.
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