THE AFL's new sliding rule will have a major impact on the way instinctive players approach games, according to Hawthorn midfielder Shaun Burgoyne.

Burgoyne said coaches should be aware that players would take a long time to adapt to the rule but he was generally in favour of it.

"It's going to have an impact especially on those players who play on instinct, who have been taught that way their entire career to get the ball and dive on it," Burgoyne said.

"It's just a matter of getting out on the track and training the new technique of keeping your feet - or making sure if you do go to ground, that you don't make contact.

"It's something that you've got to get used to because it's here to stay, because you don't want to see players getting their legs broken."

Burgoyne said the Hawks practised the new rules during the pre-season, but said some regulations would take time before they became familiar.

"It's something that's going to be ongoing for a long time because you have practised one way your entire life and now this comes in.

"You just have to get on the training track and practise until it sinks in."

Burgoyne said he was happy the rule was in place to try to prevent serious leg injuries.

"I do like the rule because I don't like to see players having their legs broken but there are times when, in desperate acts, players dive for the ball head-first and put their own safety at risk.

"Those are the things you don't want to see getting taken out of the game but definitely, when players are sliding in knees-first, I agree with it."