The SANFL’s head of football, Matt Duldig, says the last touch rule has improved football in the state as the AFL weighs up introducing their own version of the rule.

South Australia implemented the measure in 2014 and enforce it across the ground, meaning the team that touches the ball last via a kick or handball before the Sherrin goes over the line is penalised with a free kick.

The AFL is considering using the rule between the arcs to reduce the number of throw-ins and stoppages in a bid to shorten quarter lengths and ease the burden on the league’s struggling umpires.

The league has been wary of the move, with assessments suggesting there could be three or more last-touch calls per quarter.

However, Duldig says now that teams and players have adapted to the change, those free kick

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