The AFL has made the long-anticipated decision to scrap its contentious substitute rule.

The rule, which has proved unpopular among AFL players since its introduction in 2011, will not feature from next season onwards.

In a bid to reduce the amount of onfield congestion, interchange numbers will also be slashed from 120 per match to 90, with clubs to have four interchange players on the bench. Forced changes such as the blood rule, concussion assessment and players being stretchered from the ground will not be counted as part of the interchange cap.

News of the move to do away with the dreaded red and green substitute vests quickly won approval from players on social media.

“About time, the sub rule has been a terrible initiative. Great to see AFL listening to the players feedback!,” Brisbane Lions midfielder Mitch Robinson said via Twitter.

Geelong’s Steven Motlop echoed those sentiments on Twitter.

“Finally… Sub rule gone next year. Bout time! Shocking rule!,” the Cats onballer wrote.