The AFL has put their foot down on Wednesday afternoon by alerting all 18-clubs that they will no longer be allowed to have any of their players boxing within training sessions - even if they are wearing protective gear.
According toย Fox Footyย journalist Tom Morris, the league came to their decision after Hawthorn's Mitch Lewis was concussed after sparring with his teammate Jacob Koschitzke during the Hawks' bye period this season.
The fallout from Koschitzke's shot to Lewis' jaw means that players across the league will no longer be permitted to take part in any form of boxing exercise - unless they are hitting a bag or pads and the session is being conducted by a trained professional.
Morris also stated that the blanket ban would extend to the AFLW as well.
As Lewis only returned to the Hawks' senior side for the club's Round 18 draw against the Demons, the move to protect player's heads - both on and off the field - is in line with the AFL's previous steps towards combatting the ills of concussion.
How this will impact player's preparation is yet to be seen.
