AFL players will be penalised under the "last-disposal out of bounds" rule next season after the league approved another set of changes to law interpretations.
Under new rules confirmed on Wednesday, a free kick will be awarded against players who have the last disposal before the ball crosses the boundary line between the 50m arcs.
The last-disposal rule, which is already in place in AFLW and the second-tier SANFL, is set to remove some of the umpire guesswork around the existing "insufficient intent" rule.
However, the insufficient intent rule will remain in place inside the 50m arcs.
The AFL has also removed the requirement for a player to start in the goal square at centre ball-ups, while a competing ruck cannot cross the centre circle line and engage with their opponent prior to contesting the ball.
A shrug in a tackle will now be deemed prior opportunity and a player must now stand if they are within the protected area - within five metres - when a mark or free kick is paid.
Players will also have a reduced amount of time to bring the ball back into play after a behind, down to eight seconds from 12.
New AFL football boss Greg Swann has overseen a raft of rule changes since starting the role in July, and said the latest tweaks had been made following extensive industry consultation.
"The changes have been made with a focus on making the game easier for our umpires to adjudicate and also reducing total match length," Swann said in a league statement.
"Streamlining procedures such as stoppages and centre ball-ups will enhance the flow of the game for players and fans alike.
"We have consulted clubs and other industry stakeholders over the past six months and taken on board their feedback and ideas and we believe these changes will make a positive impact on the game."
The latest rule changes follow the AFL's decision last month to scrap the centre bounce and remove the substitute, allowing teams to have five players on the interchange bench.