SUPPORTERS are divided on how punching should be penalised by the Match Review Panel in the wake of the AFL's crackdown on deliberate strikes.

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was the first victim of the MRP's rule tightening this week when he was suspended for one match for a jumper punch on Adelaide's Matt Crouch.

Fans were split down the middle when asked if they would like to see players automatically suspended for punching, regardless of the impact, with 52 per cent declaring they would.

There was a similar split in the annual survey when supporters were asked if the MRP punishes players firmly enough for misdemeanours.  

More than 39,000 fans completed the survey for AFL.com.au and the AFL Record, declaring their views on the game's best players, their premiership favourite and the state of the game.

While divided on how the MRP should punish players, 75 per cent of fans declared the Panel had not been consistent in its penalties this season.

On-field sledging was a hot topic earlier this year after a fiery clash between St Kilda and Carlton, prompting suggestions the players should have a code of conduct to govern those exchanges between players.

Only 36 per cent of fans agreed, however, with most believing the players could manage themselves when it came to on-field sledging.  

On the new nominated ruckmen rule and stricter deliberate out of bounds interpretation, only 24 per cent of fans believed the changes had resulted in a better spectacle.

With those rules in place, a majority thought the umpiring had been worse than last season, but almost half of fans (46 per cent) believed the whistleblowers' job had become too difficult.

The bounce is one aspect of their job that has caused issues, but a clear majority of fans want it to remain at centre stoppages.

Fans have asked for more information on the proposed split-fixture models, with only 18 per cent willing to back the idea at this stage.

They were also strong in their opposition to a wildcard weekend before finals, with 68 per cent opposed to the proposition, which could see four teams playing off for two finals spots.

More from the 2017 fan survey

• Your AFL MVP, and where Dusty will play next

• Fans say the flag is a two-horse race

Next up: Your views on a night Grand Final, expansion and banners

The full survey results will be published in the round 12 edition of the AFL Record, available at all venues.

Want more?

• Mid-season reviews and your verdicts 

• Our mid-season All Australians: who missed out?