Players have been told they will be given greater freedom when attempting to mark the ball next season but they have also been warned the AFL will closely monitor the contentious hands-in-the-back rule.

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden and Brett Burton, also on the Laws of the Game committee, fronted player delegates and board members at the AFL Players Association meeting on Wednesday, revealing that players will be able to use reasonable force without being overly aggressive in marking duels.

Infuriating: Nathan Brown meets the hands-in-the-back rule, June 22, 2007. Credit:John Donegan

Players, coaches and supporters were irate about the inconsistencies over the use of hands in a marking contest last season. That frustration was exacerbated when Jeff Gieschen, then the umpires director, gave his confusing explanation in an interview on Fox Sports.

Players were encouraged by the presentation given by Bowden and Burton, with all wanting to protect one of the game’s showcase skills – the mark.

One person at the presentation said it was clear the player going for the mark would now be given every opportunity to do so.