AFL considers shorter quarters and fixture changes for 2028

The AFL is preparing for significant structural changes ahead of the Tasmania Devils joining the competition in 2028. To accommodate the 19th team and potential fixture expansions, league officials are considering shortening match quarters to manage player workload and total game duration.

AFL Commission Chair Craig Drummond noted that players and the Players' Association have indicated they are near the limit of acceptable playing minutes, suggesting that if the league moves toward more games, shorter matches may be necessary.

In preparation for the Tasmania Devils' AFLW entry, the AFL has ratified specific list-building concessions. The expansion club will receive an estimated $800,000 sign-on fund to attract established players and will have access to father-daughter selections if the player's father played at least 100 AFL games and was born in Tasmania. The Devils are also set to participate in their first draft in 2027.