Expect a crackdown on players who elect to bump in 2019, with a forceful head clash now no longer a way of escaping suspension.
Ryan Burton avoided a charge this season for a bump on Shaun Higgins where the two clashed heads and Higgins was left seriously concussed.
Under the new rules, Burton would be liable for the damage caused because he chose to bump.
The AFL Commission will also implement tougher penalties on striking during games, with hits of negligible impact to result in a free-kick.
On top of that, the MRO will no longer refer intentional high-impact strikes to the head directly to the Tribunal under new rules for the 2019 season.
Instead, offenders will automatically be handed a three-game suspension.
Incidents such as Andrew Gaff’s hit on Andrew Brayshaw will still be directed to the Tribunal if graded as severe.
The Commission has also added to the offenses that will be referred to the Tribunal, with stomping and eye gouging set to join the existing list.
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