Mackin and O'Leary excited for new rules in Ladies Football

Michael Bolton

As the Lidl Ladies National Football League gets underway, players are excited about the new rules introduced to the game.

From the drama of the two-pointer to the open games of having three players at the other end of the pitch at all times, the men's game was transformed by the rule changes in 2025.

While ladies' football was usually seen as more attacking, last season saw more defensive set-ups, which contributed to lower-scoring games and frustration for attackers.

For the first three rounds of the league, new rules are being introduced, including two-pointers from outside the 40-metre mark, and the solo and go option from free-kicks.

Free kicks will also be brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline.

One of the players who could benefit the most from the new rules is Armagh's Aimee Mackin, who is looking forward to the extra space in the forward line.

"Think the solo and go will be good. It will quicken things up, and the three-up will be exciting as a forward, not having to defend. I think that is our biggest job to defend as a forward, so I think that will be exciting.

"I actually think from watching the men’s game, your head has been in that mindset, watching them, because you have to keep an eye on their games.

"For us, the three-up rule and breaching that will be the most important thing, especially if you are a tenacious tackler and getting close to the halfway line, keep in the back of your head that you have to stay up here."

Another creative player who will be rubbing her hands together is Kerry's Danielle O'Leary.

The Kerry forward says the rules will suit Kerry's fast style of football, but admits they will take some getting used to.

"I'm not going to lie, it's kind of been hard to get your head around things, even though seeing the men play the last two years with it. But it takes a while, it does take a good bit of practice and training, and you have to incorporate it into training. It's probably another thing to focus on.

"At the end of the day, it's to improve the game.

"I suppose for us in Kerry, I think the most beneficial will probably be the solo and go. We're so used to playing fast, free-flowing football that we usually have three up anyway.

"So some of the things don't change. We'll definitely utilise solo and go the most, and it just brings back the catch and kick football as well, which we love.

"Like the men, hopefully we'll utilise it as much as we can."

One rule change that will be watched closely is around the tackle, which has been a source of frustration for players.

Where previously a player could only tackle their opponent when the ball was out from the body, this has been altered to allow a player tackle the ball at any time.

Previously, the advantage was with the defending player standing their ground, and the player in possession penalised for not attempting to sidestep their opponent.

The Kerry footballer is hoping referees will be consistent when it comes to the tackle.

"I do think that a lot of stuff does come down to the referees as well. I know that you can tackle now with the ball in your hand, but it has to be an open palm.

"I think backs can still use it, but to be honest, we won't know until Saturday, until the ref throws in the ball, how much contact he's going to allow.

"I know the rules are there, but look, rules have been there as well the last 40 years, you have to adjust to the game in front of you."

For Mackin, she is looking forward to the extra physicality in the game.

"For a lot of people, it was getting stop-start in games. Free kicks, and there was a sense of a tackle being allowed. It will be interesting to see how it is played out.

"I don’t mind hard tackling, so looking forward to a bit more contact."