There are still a few issues with hands in the back, but it was a sensible step, in my opinion. Two years ago, pushes in the back were the least consistently adjudicated free kicks in the game - forwards were making strong plays with their hands from behind, and you could never tell whether or nor a free kick would be paid; people often forget that. At least with hands in the back, there is a black-and-white definition for what is and isn't a free kick. Of course, the fact that umpires aren't always in the right position to see it complicates things.

One point I'll often make is about the famous Richardson free kick against Essendon - everyone was quick to damn the rule and state that "this would never have been a free kick before." Based on my memory of interpretations in the 2006 season, there was probably a 3/10 chance of a free kick being paid in that situation, and having such uncertainty is bad for everyone; at least when Richo was penalised, there was no ambiguity.

I think the AFL needs to take some lessons from the pass interference rule in American Football, in particular the rule regarding "catchable passes;" umpires should not pay hands in the back if the ball is clearly not markable, e.g. when the ball goes over the forward's head, he slows his lead, and the defender cannons into him with his hands.