FOUR boundary umpires will be used in AFL matches leading into the 2008 Toyota AFL Finals Series.

The AFL Executive has approved a submission from the umpiring department to implement the system, which has been trialled several times in past pre-season matches and in this year’s Hall of Fame tribute match.

The system allows for two boundary umpires on each side of the ground. Currently three boundary umpires are used.

Under the new system, one boundary umpire on each side of the ground will start in the traditional position on the point of the centre square, with the other boundary umpire on each side to begin play around the half-forward region.

"For this year's finals series, the AFL umpiring department put forward a submission that we should use our extra on-ground resources when we have them available, to ensure that we can be in the best possible position for all line decisions,” Gieschen said.

“We are delighted this has been approved by the AFL executive."

Gieschen said the AFL would practice using the four boundary umpire system in rounds 21 and 22 so that umpires are familiar with the system when used in the finals series.