Australian Football
Australian Football marks, disposal and holding the ball
How marks, legal disposal, tackles and the holding-the-ball rule fit together under the 2026 Laws of Australian Football.
Correct disposal means a kick or handball
The Laws define Correct Disposal as a kick or handball. A player in possession cannot simply throw or otherwise release the football in a way that is not a legal kick or handball and expect it to count as correct disposal.
What makes a mark
A mark is awarded when a player catches or controls a football kicked by another player after it has travelled at least 15 metres without touching the ground or another player. If the ball is touched before control, the umpire can call “Touched Play On” and no mark is awarded.
Legal tackles and prior opportunity
A legal tackle is made on a player in possession and is applied below the shoulders and above the knees. If the ball carrier has had Prior Opportunity, a free kick is paid when that player does not Correctly Dispose of the football immediately after being legally tackled.
No prior opportunity is not automatic protection
Without Prior Opportunity, a free kick can still be paid if the player elects to dispose of the ball incorrectly or, when able, fails to make a genuine attempt to Correctly Dispose within a reasonable time. A genuine attempt or a tackle that simply dislodges the ball is treated differently under the Laws.