18 for 18s in 2025

THE maximum number of players allowed on the field for an Under 18s match has been increased.

The 2025 season will see the maximum number of players allowed go up to 18.

In previous years the number of most players on a field has been at at 16.

The change in numbers is designed to further help junior males make a successful transition to senior football.

“Both the Under 14s and Under 16s have been playing with a maximum of 18 players on the field just like the Senior Mens competition does,” Community Football and Competition Manager Brad Greenshields said.

“Increasing the number of on-field players in the Under 18s will aid the development of players who will be at an age where they can be selected to play Senior football if they’re good enough.”

If on a match day an Under 18 team has less than 18 players, then the even-up rule will apply.

Increasing the number of on field players for the Senior Women’s competition was explored but the national standard of 16 will continue to be adhered to.

Timekeepers and umpires might also be called upon to stop the clock more often in 2025.

While AFL North Coast matches have seen the clock stopped for instances where a stretcher has been needed or a player leaving the field due to the blood rule, the upcoming season will also see the clock stopped in cases where a head count has been called for or there is an injury to an umpire.