Brennan missed the Dogs’ first women’s premiership after a failed tribunal challenge and subsequent appeal, which saw a one-match rough conduct ban increased to two.

The club considered but ultimately decided against launching legal action before the grand final against Brisbane at Princes Park.

In scenes reminiscent of the aftermath of the Dogs’ men’s flag win in 2016, Brennan took the stage with her triumphant teammates after they defeated the Lions.

But anger over differences in the penalties handed to male and female players at the elite level still simmered and Brennan took her grievance to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

But that was dropped on Wednesday after the AFL agreed to amend the penalty system for the AFLW.

“We are pleased to have reached this result,” AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said.

“Our decisions are based on what is best for the growth, sustainability and popularity of the national women’s league.

“While creating something new and different, there will always be challenges and, in turn, opportunities to improve.”

SEN host Sam McClure blasted the call on radio Wednesday afternoon.

“The AFL waved the white flag,” McClure told SEN’s Time On.

“AFLW clubs, the players association and the players themselves agreed to the rules surrounding reprimands before the season started because women are not yet paid enough in the game to be able to afford the fine, which makes complete sense.

“So why the retrospective change? Why the white flag this afternoon?

“Katie Brennan is and was the only player to be reprimanded twice. And it was for the same type of tackle in a month. Two dangerous tackles in four weeks.

“So what next? The AFLW game has 16 players on the field. The men have 18, so can we expect 18 next year? Will they have a finals series? The men do. Deliberate out of bounds? That has to come in as well.”

The changes will ensure AFLW players are not more likely to be suspended than men for identical conduct with identical disciplinary records. The league also agreed to quash the remaining match of her suspension, freeing her to play in next year’s AFLW opening round.

“I am delighted the AFL has taken the time and responded to review and adjust the rules,” Brennan said.

“The decision to push for change in the rules at this vital time of development reflects the passion I have for the game and the future generations of our sport.

“The competition is still in its early days and that means it requires appropriate care and support for the growth and sustainability.”