SANFL success with Last Disposal Out of Bounds rule

By ZAC MILBANK 

SANFL is hailing the sustained success of its Last Disposal Out of Bounds rule which continues to have a positive impact 10 years since its introduction.

As the AFL considers following suit by introducing the same concept as early as next season, the latest data released from the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League illustrates its ongoing influence since 2016.

Across the last decade, averages for total points scored, scoring shots and inside 50s have increased considerably with the ball in motion for longer periods.

As a byproduct of this, total stoppages, ball ups and throw ins have reduced significantly, making the game attractive to watch for SANFL fans.

”The introduction of the Last Disposal Out of Bounds Rule throughout all SANFL competitions has been extremely positive and widely embraced by fans, players and coaches,” SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig said.

”Its impact has been two-fold across the past decade as it has not only increased scoring and scoring opportunities but it has also reduced the amount of stoppages in each match.”

Since its introduction, SANFL’s Last Disposal Out of Bounds rule has been applied to the entire field – not just between the arcs – which has promoted a higher-level of skill across all grades, including Reserves, Under-18s and Under-16s.

”This has led to a much more attacking, and attractive, brand of football being played whilst the ball remains in motion for longer periods of the match,” Duldig said, adding that the League competition averages five Last Disposal Out of Bounds calls per game..

”From an umpiring perspective, the introduction of the Last Disposal Out of Bounds rule has simplified their decision-making when it comes to making a call on Deliberate Out of Bounds.”

The rule has also been adopted by all Community Football Leagues in South Australia, emphasising the football community’s confidence in the impact it has on the game.