COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke has welcomed a new rule interpretation for 2014 that will allow players more freedom to use their strength in marking contests without being penalised.
Cloke was forced to modify his marking technique last season after he gave away four free kicks against Adelaide in round 16 while attempting to impose himself physically in marking duels.
The strict interpretation has been a constant frustration for the 26-year-old, but a change appears to be set for 2014.
It was explained at Wednesday's AFL Players Association meeting that reasonable force would be tolerated when attempting to mark the ball next season.
"If you're allowed to push a bit more and use a bit more of your body I'm all for it," Cloke said on Thursday.
"I got pinned last year pretty heavily for using what I thought was appropriate bodywork, but it's changed up a bit.
"I guess (in the) second half of the year the rules get pushed out a bit more and it's a little bit easier to use your body and umpires let the game flow a bit more.
"I think I've expressed my feelings and opinions on the footy field and the umpires haven't liked it.
"They're just there to umpire the rules. It's what's set for them. I think sometimes they'd like to let it flow as well."
Cloke will have more help in the Collingwood forward line in 2014 after versatile tall Jesse White joined the club from the Sydney Swans.
White has made a seamless transition to his new club and said he was enjoying a fresh start.
He said he expected to play a variety of roles under coach Nathan Buckley.
"'Bucks' has said I'll probably play in the ruck and up forward … anywhere I can fit in to play senior footy, which would be great," he said.
“He’s got a lot of confidence in me as a player and when I first met with him he showed that."
Cloke said the 25-year-old would add to a deep and tall forward line.
"Last year Ben Reid came up forward and worked pretty closely with 'Lynchy' and I, so hopefully the four of us can fit in and play as a pretty tall forward line," he said.
"We're all going to push ourselves as much as we can and there's going to be a lot of expectations to perform, but also to work together and work as a unit."
After 13 seasons under fitness guru David Buttifant, the Magpies are adjusting to pre-season under new high performance manager Bill Davoren.
Davoren, who joined the club from St Kilda after Buttifant moved to Carlton, has a triathlete and Olympic background.
"I think we're running a bit more than we normally do," Cloke said of Davoren's program.
"Bill's come in and brought his own ideas and philosophies. The boys are open to change really enjoying his knowledge.
"There's a new vibe around the place. It's a new set up for us, a new fitness regime around the football club, new staff, and everyone's taking it in their stride."
