Players are allowed to tackle the player with the ball and impede opposition players from tackling their teammates (known as shepherding), but not to deliberately strike an opponent (though pushing the margins of these rules is often a substantial part of the game).

Does AFL involve tackling?

In Australian rules football, the move commonly described as a "tackle" is similar to in rugby and involves wrapping, holding or wrestling a player who has possession of the ball to the ground. ... As there is no offside rule in Australian rules football, players can be tackled from any direction, and are often blindsided.

Is AFL touch or tackle?

A fast, fun, free-flowing game that involves 9 players on each team playing on a smaller field. Best of all AFL 9s is 'touch football' with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for everyone.