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[SPORTS] · Australia · 2 sources

AFLW considers rule change after Rachel Kearns solo maneuver

AFLW Rachel Kearns Laura Kane Gaelic football rule change

AFLW CEO Laura Kane has indicated the league may consider officially permitting the “solo” maneuver following a viral moment by Geelong player Rachel Kearns. During a round 12 match against the Bulldogs, Kearns used the Gaelic football technique of kicking the ball to herself while running instead of performing a traditional AFL bounce.

The move was deemed illegal by the AFL, which stated that the solo does not constitute a valid bounce and that a free kick should have been awarded against Kearns. Despite the technical violation, the play gained significant traction on social media. Kane noted that the league will look into the possibility of the rule change, citing the influence of the more than 45 Irish players currently contributing to the sport.

Entities

AFLW · Geelong · Laura Kane · Rachel Kearns

Sources

AFLW finals 2026: Geelong’s Rachel Kearns lit up the AFLW by doing a solo instead of a bounce, now the league’s boss is thinking of introducing it permanently to the sport [www.smh.com.au]
AFLW finals 2026: Geelong’s Rachel Kearns lit up the AFLW by doing a solo instead of a bounce, now the league’s boss is thinking of introducing it permanently to the sport [www.watoday.com.au]