THE AFL are set to crack down on punching in the very near future with tighter rules and harsher penalties to be introduced and applied for the indiscretion this season.
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The unsavoury action has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, especially after Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was let off with a $1000 fine for jumper punching Fremantle playmaker Lachie Neale in round eight.
The hit appeared to affect Neale for a long period of time during the game and he only ended up with 23 disposals, well down on his usual output.
For years players have generally been able to get away with landing one on an opponent's chin as long as they had a handful of jumper while they did so.
And North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington could also count himself lucky on Monday after he escaped suspension for punching Melbourne's Bernie Vince in the stomach.
AFL supremo Gillon McLachlan said on Monday that he did not like the look of punches of any kind and league football operations manager Simon Lethlean confirmed his boss' concerns would be reflected in the rules soon.
"Yes we will [make changes]," Lethlean told SEN on Tuesday morning.
"Across the last few years broadly the MRP [match review panel] has done a good job in classifying on-field incidents in the way they have been directed to.
"I think we are where we are now, so far as I think a change is required.
"Clearly the deterrent of fines is not stopping on-field punching in various forms and we want to stamp that out.
"That's up to me now to give the MRP the equipment by which to be able to classify whether for more forceful contact or for more intent.
"We'll work out how we can do that in the next few days, so that it's enforceable at tribunal.
"We just need to provide a new direction for them, that's for us to show some leadership and we'll do so."
While it's rare for rule changes to occur mid-season Lethlean intimated the league could no longer sit idly by and allow players to get away with punching.
"It's unusual to [make a change during the year], but we're going to," Lethlean said.
"We didn't want punching to continue. We're unequivocal about that.
"We'll make that really clear to the players and clubs, and make a change that is enforceable and gives the MRP the right equipment in their classifications to ensure that sanctions are now matches as compared to fines if that's going to be the deterrent required."
