Irishwoman Kearns lauded for pulling off illegal double Gaelic ‘solo’
AFLW boss says league to look at changing rules after 2026 finals
The AFL will look at rule changes in its women’s competition to make it easier for Irish players to add their own flair, in a nod to the almost 50 former Gaelic footballers in the AFLW.
One of the main differences between the sister sports, apart from the shape of the ball and field, is the bounce explicitly required for players in Australian rules running more than 15 metres.
In Gaelic football, a player running more than four strides can bounce the ball to avoid giving up a free kick. They have another option, however, by kicking the ball to themselves in a so-called “solo”.
Geelong’s Irishwoman Rachel Kearns performed two solos during a 30-metre run during her side’s victory over Western Bulldogs on Friday.
Although the umpires erred in not awarding a free kick to the Dogs, the slice of Gaelic magic was widely applauded.
The executive general manager of the AFLW, Laura Kane, said the league would consider tweaking its rules to allow a solo in the women’s competition in lieu of a bounce.
“It’s not allowed right now, and it’s not allowed through the next four weeks, just to be clear – I’ve been asked to say that,” she said at the launch of the AFLW finals on Wednesday.
“But there are more than 45 Irish players that contribute to our game right now. We’ll have a look at it.”
The AFL laws are explicit in barring the solo, stating a free kick will be awarded to a play who does not bounce or touch the football on the ground at least once every 15 metres, and that a player “who kicks or handballs the football to themself” is no exception.
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North Melbourne captain Jasmine Garner said she was impressed by Kearns’ skill, and urged the league to allow the solo. “I actually like it,” she said. “[Kearns] did run too far, but if it’s in the rules and you can do that, I think it’d be great for the game. Why not? Yeah, change the rules, and it’s exciting to watch.”
The Kangaroos finished the home and away season on top of the ladder, and are hoping to win their third successive flag this year.
Kane said the AFLW finals will demonstrate the momentum of the league, given the season attracted “most fans we’ve ever had in terms of crowds, the highest scoring games we’ve ever had, [and] six strong Victorian teams”.
She added the league was looking at bringing forward the start date of the women’s season next year to facilitate more double headers with the AFL.
This year’s grand final will again be held at Ikon Park, despite calls to move it to the AFL-owned Marvel Stadium. Kane said the league was focused on introducing more double headers next year, signalling a likely return to Ikon.
“At the moment, we are focusing on double headers at our tier one stadia,” she said. “We’re comfortable with the venues that we play AFLW at, but that doesn’t mean we won’t continue to explore it [Marvel] into the future.”
