The AFL has announced nine rule and interpretation changes for the 2019 season, but it has rejected the proposed introduction of an 18-metre goal square.

The 6-6-6 rule, which sees teams having six players in each of their defensive and forward arcs and six in the midfield at each centre bounce, has been given the green light as a way of reducing congestion.

The AFL Commission knocked back the idea of increasing the size of the goal square, which was trialled during the VFL season.

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking said the changes were designed to create more “free-flowing passages of play” and “one-on-one contests”.

“We have listened to our fans, players, coaches, umpires and clubs,” Hocking told afl.com.au.

“The rule changes and interpretations protect and respect the traditions of Australian Football while progressing our game.”