Talk of allowing more body work in AFL marking contests is music to the ears of Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke.
One of the league’s strongest key forwards, Cloke hopes the umpires will allow more leeway when players jostle for position.
According to a media report on Thursday, the league is set to allow reasonable force in marking duels.
“If you’re allowed to push a bit more and use more of your body, I’m all for it,” Cloke said.
“I was pinged (this) year pretty heavily for using what I thought was appropriate body work.”
Cloke has regularly expressed his frustration at how umpires interpret the controversial hands in the back rule, but said he understood their position.
“I’ve showed and expressed my feelings and opinions before on the footy field and the umpires don’t like it,” he said.
“But they’re just there to umpire the rules, what’s set for them.
“Sometimes they understand they’d like to let it flow as well, but it’s just the way the rules are.”
Cloke said the Magpies are relishing pre-season training after a busy trade period.
Stars such as Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw and Alan Didak are no longer at the club, while former Sydney player Jesse White will join Cloke in attack.
Cloke added new fitness boss Bill Davoren had brought in fresh ideas when he took over from David Buttifant, who is back with Mick Malthouse at Carlton.
“There’s a new vibe around the place – the boys are up and about and pretty excited,” Cloke said.
“It’s a new setup for us, a new fitness regime, new staff and everyone is taking it in their stride.
“Bill has come in and brought his own ideas and own philosophies.
“The boys are open to change and really enjoying his knowledge.
“He’s from a triathlon and Olympics background, so he has a world of knowledge.”
After bowing out this season with the elimination final loss to Port Adelaide, Cloke said the Magpies are determined to bounce back.
“We’re running a bit more than we normally do, higher (kilometres),” he said.
“It’s more just enjoyment – everyone is pretty excited.
“We had a pretty dismal finish to the year for us, we didn’t do very well in September.
“Everyone is excited to put the right foot forward, to impress the coaches.”