2026 - Rules
Between the link and what's below, you should be right right in knowing what's what this year. That said, feel free to reach out should yous have any questions concerning the rules.
Announcement # 1: Squads are being cut from 19 to 17.
This simply aims to prevent players sitting on teams and rarely/never being used. It should increase the quality of players available at MSDs and may prevent players being stockpiled when they have longer term injuries.
Announcement # 2: Reserves listed 1 to 5 only
Maintaining the 'retro' feel with Announcement 1, we're going to back to simply listing your reserves 1 to 5. Position nominations for DPPs are no longer required - your best reserve will be used if/when needed (provided minimal position numbers have been met).
Announcement # 3 A: Fee increase
For the first time since 2019, fees will be increased by $10 (to $60). This is mainly to cover the cost of the website.
Announcement # 3 B: Best Draft Day selection
A manager now has the chance to win $30 (half their fees) by drafting the player that proves to be the most valuable when comparing when they were drafted to their overall ranking at the end of the AFL season. To ensure prize money is spread further across the comp, the Grand Finalists will be ineligible.
In 2025 for example, Tullamarine would have won the prize with John Noble - Drafted 183rd and finished the year Ranked 51st (which equates to 132 points).
Announcement # 4: Snake Draft for Picks 11-17
The reduced squads in 2026 has a domino effect in that Rounds 18-19 of the Draft won't be required. As this effects the parity of the second half of the Draft, a Snake Draft will be implemented for Rounds 11 to 17. See the template on the Home Page (Under 'Prep for 2026').
Announcement # 5: New Finals Format
Finals in 2026 will be played over three weeks instead of four. Key difference is that all six teams can now make the GF (previously the top-two were guaranteed one of them could make the big dance).
#5 b... This year's 'Sixth place based on Points-For' rule (instead of the traditional win-loss record) has been abandoned.
Announcement # 6: ALL STAR GAME
After the MCAFL Grand Final, Round 23 of the AFL will be used for our first All Star game since 2013.
The Gazzas (teams that finished the regular season 1st-4th-5th-8th-9th) will play the Badgers (2nd-3rd-6th-7th-10th).
Three players nominated from each team.
One manager from the winning team will get an extra ticket in the 2027 Drawing of the Draft.
That's right Max, they add up to 10. But they're also four very important numbers for the MCAFL in 2026.
Announcement # 7: In 2026 you will need a Ruckman
For the first time ever, in 2026 the Ruck will be recognised as its own position for game day squads. This also means Ruckman have lost their utility status.
# 7b: Remember the Number 3-4-1-2
Minimum Game-Day numbers for 2026 will be 3 Defenders, 4 Midfielders, 1 Ruckman, and 2 Forwards that register a score. The other two spots are your choice.
Important to Note - the key difference is that teams no longer have to meet the minimum number after the Red Vest is applied. For example - you run with 4 Defs-5 Mids-1 Ruck-2 Fwds. All 12 registered a score and one of the Fwds was the lowest scoring player. The Fwd will still get the Red Vest as the requirement of 3-4-1-2 scoring players was met. Under the old rules, the RV could only have been applied to a Def or Mid as they would meet the minimum requirements after the RV is used.
These changes mean managers now have eight different combinations they can use on Game Day without penalty (pending what your roster looks like). In the past you only had four without having to 'run the gauntlet'.
More details will be in Rules document. I'm also happy to clarify any questions via Messenger. But understand, like Announcement #2, this rule aims to simplify Game-Day selections. Examples of what Game-Day squads would look like (using Round 1 and Round 18 teams from last season) are available on the home page under the 2026 Rules header.