AFL aims to close protected zone loophole

The AFL has moved to close what it calls an unintended exploitation of the protected zone rule. (AAP)

The AFL has moved to close a loophole in its contentious protected area rule, saying there had been "unexpected exploitation" by players.

Umpires have been told to no longer pay 50m penalties when players deliberately run their opponents into the protected area with the intention of creating a split between them.