In Australian rules football, the term “shepherding” refers to the lawful act of blocking or impeding an opponent to protect a teammate in possession of the ball or contesting for it. Unlike rugby league, where blocking is generally prohibited, or soccer, where shielding is permitted only with the body, Australian rules permits a player to use their body—within strict constraints—to prevent an opponent from tackling, spoiling, or intercepting a teammate. Understanding these laws is essential for players, coaches, and spectators who follow the AFL, state leagues such as the SANFL and WAFL, or the AFLW, as shepherding directly influences match tactics and disciplinary outcomes.
Glossary of Key Terms
Shepherding
The act of using one’s body to block or impede an opponent who is not in possession of the football, with the intention of protecting a teammate who has the ball or is contesting for it. Shepherding is legal only when the player performing it is within five metres of the ball and does not use excessive force, such as a bump to the head or a charge from an unreasonable distance. For example, a forward may shepherd a defender away from a teammate taking a mark, provided the block occurs in the immediate contest.Bump
A legal, controlled collision between two players, where one player uses their shoulder or hip to dispossess or impede an opponent. In Australian rules, a bump is distinct from a tackle; it is permitted only when the player being bumped is in possession of the ball or is contesting for it within five metres. A bump that makes high contact (above the shoulders) or is delivered from behind is illegal and may result in a free kick or suspension. This contrasts with rugby league, where bumping is rare and often penalised as a “late hit.”Mark
A clean catch of the ball from a kick that travels at least 15 metres without being touched by another player. Shepherding is often employed to protect a teammate attempting to take a mark, as a legal block can prevent an opponent from spoiling the catch. For instance, a ruckman may shepherd an opposing ruckman away from a teammate leaping for a high ball.Spoiling
The act of deflecting or punching the ball away from an opponent who is attempting to take a mark. Spoiling is a defensive skill, but it can be impeded by legal shepherding. A player shepherding must not hold or push an opponent off the ball; instead, they may use their body to create space, allowing a teammate to spoil or mark uncontested.Ruck Contest
A contested situation at a boundary throw-in or centre bounce, where two ruckmen leap to tap the ball to a teammate. Shepherding is common in ruck contests, as a ruckman may block an opponent from running onto the ball after the tap. However, shepherding must occur within five metres of the ball; a ruckman cannot block an opponent who is already running to receive the tap.Front-On Contact
Contact made directly from the front of an opponent, often considered safer and more legal than side-on or behind contact. In shepherding, front-on contact is preferred because it reduces the risk of high contact or dangerous tackles. A player shepherding from the front must still ensure they are within five metres of the ball and do not charge or push.Late Hit
An illegal tackle or bump delivered after the ball has left the opponent’s possession or after the play has stopped. In Australian rules, a late hit is penalised with a free kick and may incur a suspension, especially if it involves high contact or a dangerous action. Shepherding must cease once the ball is no longer in the immediate contest; a late shepherd is considered a free kick.Holding the Man
A free kick awarded when a player illegally holds or tackles an opponent who does not have possession of the ball. This penalty often arises when a player attempts to shepherd by grabbing an opponent’s jumper or arm, rather than using a legal body block. Shepherding must involve body contact only, not grasping.Block
A general term for impeding an opponent, which can be legal (shepherding) or illegal (charging, holding). In Australian rules, a block is legal only when performed within five metres of the ball and without excessive force. An illegal block, such as one delivered from behind or with a raised elbow, results in a free kick.Charging
An illegal action where a player runs at an opponent and makes forceful contact, often with a raised shoulder or excessive momentum. Charging is distinct from a legal bump or shepherd because it lacks control and may endanger the opponent. It is penalised similarly to a late hit.High Contact
Any contact made above the shoulders, including to the head or neck. High contact is illegal in Australian rules, whether in a tackle, bump, or shepherd. A player shepherding must ensure their body contact remains below the shoulders; accidental high contact may still result in a free kick.Interference
An act that prevents an opponent from fairly contesting the ball, often through shepherding, blocking, or holding. Interference is illegal when it occurs beyond five metres of the ball or when it involves holding, pushing, or charging. Legal shepherding is a form of interference that is permitted only in specific circumstances.Legal Position
The requirement that a player shepherding must be within five metres of the ball at the time of contact. This rule ensures that shepherding occurs only in the immediate contest, preventing players from blocking opponents far from the play. A player who shepherds outside this range is penalised for interference.Contest
A situation where two or more players compete for possession of the ball, such as a marking contest, ground-ball contest, or ruck contest. Shepherding is most common in these scenarios, as players seek to protect a teammate or deny an opponent access to the ball.Marking Contest
A specific type of contest where players leap to catch or spoil a kicked ball. Shepherding in a marking contest is legal if the blocker stays within five metres of the ball and does not push or hold. For example, a full-forward may shepherd a defender away from a teammate taking a chest mark.Ground-Ball Contest
A contest for a loose ball on the ground, often involving players diving or bending to pick it up. Shepherding in a ground-ball contest is legal, provided the blocker does not tackle or hold an opponent. A player may use their body to shield an opponent away from a teammate gathering the ball.Push in the Back
An illegal action where a player pushes an opponent in the back, often during a marking contest or shepherd. Pushing in the back is penalised with a free kick; legal shepherding must involve side-on or front-on contact only.Striking
An illegal action where a player intentionally strikes an opponent with a hand, arm, or fist. Striking is distinct from shepherding, which involves body contact only. A player who strikes an opponent during a shepherd is liable for suspension.Dangerous Tackle
A tackle that places an opponent at risk of injury, such as a spear tackle or a tackle that drives the opponent’s head into the ground. Dangerous tackles are illegal and may result in a free kick, penalty, or suspension. Shepherding does not involve tackling, but a shepherd that becomes a tackle is illegal.Free Kick
A penalty awarded to a team when an opponent commits an infringement, such as illegal shepherding, holding the man, or high contact. Free kicks are taken from the spot of the infringement and can be used to restart play, often leading to scoring opportunities.50-Metre Penalty
An advanced penalty awarded for serious or repeated infringements, such as dissent, time-wasting, or deliberate interference. A 50-metre penalty moves the ball forward 50 metres toward the offending team’s goal, often resulting in a scoring shot.Scoreboard Pressure
The tactical advantage gained by shepherding effectively, as it can prevent an opponent from scoring or disrupt their attacking structure. For example, a well-timed shepherd in a marking contest may deny a defender the chance to spoil, allowing a forward to take a mark and kick a goal.Defensive Shepherd
A shepherd performed by a player not in possession of the ball, aimed at protecting a teammate who is defending. For instance, a backman may shepherd an opponent away from a teammate attempting to spoil a mark, ensuring the defender can contest safely.Offensive Shepherd
A shepherd performed by a player in possession of the ball or supporting a teammate in attack. An offensive shepherd often occurs near the goal line, where a forward blocks a defender to allow a teammate to run into an open goal.Summary
Shepherding laws in Australian rules football define the legal boundaries of blocking and protecting teammates, ensuring that contests remain fair and safe. By distinguishing legal shepherds from illegal actions such as charging, holding, or high contact, these laws enable players to use their bodies effectively without endangering opponents. Understanding terms such as “legal position,” “front-on contact,” and “marking contest” helps players, coaches, and fans appreciate the tactical nuances of the game, whether in the AFL, state leagues, or AFLW. Mastery of shepherding can provide a team with a significant advantage, particularly in close contests where every possession matters.
For further reading on match tactics, explore our articles on switch of play and common tactical mistakes.
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