what is the afl sub rule

The AFL substitute (sub) rule allowed clubs to replace a player with an unused substitute at any stage of the game for any reason, without the need for a medical reason as was previously required. The starting substitute player would sit on the interchange bench wearing a non-playing top (no substitution vest). The interchange cap remained at 75 rotations per game. However, this rule is being scrapped starting in the 2026 season. From that season, clubs will name five interchange players on the bench who can all rotate freely without a separate substitute player role. In summary, the AFL sub rule existed recently as a tactical substitute but has been abolished from the 2026 season with a return to a fuller interchange bench of five rotating players and no dedicated substitute player.