The AFL's new last touch rule has created quite the stir with fans not sure about how it will affect the game.
It's probably more accurate to describe the new rule as 'last possession' with players to be penalised if they kick or handball the ball directly out of play without it being touched by any players between the 50m arcs.
This means the rule will not apply inside the 50m arcs.
The new rule has featured in the SANFL and AFLW across the past couple of seasons.
MORE: Could proposed AFL rule changes threaten the future of ruckmen?
AFLW last possession rule
If the ball goes out of bounds between the forward and defensive 50m arcs as a result of a kick or handball, the opposing team will receive a free kick where the ball crossed the line. If it is not clear who touched the ball last, it is thrown in. This rule was introduced to reduce congestion and secondary stoppages.
It also should be noted that a throw-in will result if an opposition player tries to block a player from touching the ball and it goes out-of-bounds.
Accidental taps or deflections will not result in a free kick.
However, intentional taps or deflections will result in a free kick if it's clear a player was going for the boundary. This does not apply to spoils in marking contests.
If the umpire is not sure if the ball was touched or not, the result will be a throw-in.
Effect on the SANFL
According to journalist Tom Morris, the last disposal rule has had great affect on the SANFL since it was introduced in 2016.
It has moved from the state league with the highest amount of stoppages to the lowest.
And it has gone from the lowest scoring state league per 100 minutes to the highest.