The AFL will crack down on players who try to exploit one feature of the holding the ball rule, but no major law changes will happen next season.

The league will instead continue to monitor the increasing number of interchanges during games, concerned that these are helping defensive tactics.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said on Tuesday that the strong message from clubs was that no rule changes were necessary and that the game was in "great shape".

But he said clubs wanted umpires to clamp down on players who "soak up" a tackle, where they have had no prior opportunity to dispose of the ball.

If the player has a chance to dispose of the ball and does not make an attempt, the league wants a holding the ball free paid.

"What became clear in our consultation with clubs was that on a number of occasions, players are soaking up or absorbing the tackle, forcing a stoppage," he said.

"We're keen to make sure that they (umpires) are really clear, consistent and firm in their interpretation on this type of holding the ball.

"Players must make an attempt (to dispose of the ball)."

It is part of an AFL emphasis on wanting more clarity in rules that allow the team who have possession to move the ball more quickly.

This also includes 50m penalties for encroaching on the mark, not giving up the ball quickly enough to an opponent at a mark or free kick, and holding of opponents at stoppages.

Anderson said the league was pleased with the impact of this season's rule changes, which covered deliberate rushed behinds, frees after disposal and the use of four boundary umpires.

There is ongoing debate about the increasing use of the interchange bench, but Anderson said there were no plans at this stage to put a cap on the number allowed during a match.

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