THE AFL has confirmed it would introduce an interchange cap for the 2014-2015 AFL Premiership seasons.

The AFL Commission ticked off on the cap, mooted since last year on Tuesday, capping rotations at 120 per club per match.

Teams will still play with three interchange players and one substitute.

There will, however, be no cap on rotations per quarter, but clubs will need to monitor the amount of interchanges made over the course of the game.

The 120 limit will not include the use of the substitute or the changes made during breaks between quarters.

If any team should exceed the limit of 120 rotations, they will be penalised by a free kick and a 50m penalty for each additional interchange made.

The figure of 120 is significantly higher than the number previously mooted, which sparked strong opinion from AFL clubs and coaches. The original proposed number was 80 plus a substitute.

AFL Football Operations Manager, Mark Evans said the decision to implement a cap was based on analysis and views from the AFL and its clubs.

“The AFL Football Operations Department presented detailed analysis of interchange rates, game trends, injury trends and fairness data, but also the views of coaches, players and others consulted during the process,” he said.

“In 2012 and in the first half of 2013 interchange numbers averaged approximately 130 per game.

“Many in the industry have suggested interchange rotations had reached its natural maximum and that any further increases would be counter-productive.

“Over the past 4-6 weeks it appears that interchange numbers are once again on the rise, averaging 135-140 per game.”

The cap will be assessed after the 2015 season.