THE AFL will crack down on 'tummy taps' from next season, with a stricter interpretation of the rules meaning players are more likely to be suspended.

Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch was one player lucky to escape without suspension after he gut punched Sydney's Jeremy Laidler in round 11. Lynch was fined $1500 after an early guilty plea. 

However, Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis was banned for a week after striking West Coast's Jackson Nelson in round 15.

That incident was graded as intentional conduct with medium impact to the body, whereas Lynch's strike was considered low impact. 

In 2017, the Match Review Panel will "apply a stricter interpretation of impact for intentional strikes to the body where the force of the strike warrants a suspension". 

Furthermore, jumper punches with minimal impact will result in a fine.

There was some controversy with jumper punches in 2016. Collingwood's Travis Varcoe was cleared after appearing to hit North Melbourne's Brad McKenzie in the head in round 18 after it was deemed to be of insufficient force. 

However, Geelong big man Tom Hawkins was suspended for a week after a similar incident to Greater Western Sydney's Phil Davis in round 11. 

In other changes, the MRP will be able to recommend punishment for clubs if involved in large melees or multiple incidents during the season. 

Also, the charges of engaging in a melee and wrestling will be considered as one in a bid to discourage players from continuously being involved in that behaviour.