AFL clubs will be given the chance to add players to their list mid-season via a rookie draft set to be introduced in 2019.
Teams will be able to add players to their rookie list, replacing those who have suffered season-ending injuries or retired.
The date has not yet been confirmed but the AFL Commission has already signed off on the rookie draft, as well as a list change period that runs from December 1 until March 15 - the week before round one.
This will allow teams to replace players who go down with long-term injuries in pre-season such as Carlton's Sam Docherty earlier in 2018.
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AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon discussed the changes in a statement.
"In the interest of creating further opportunities for clubs to improve their lists, clubs will now be able to make additions as required throughout pre-season and also participate in a mid-season draft," Dillon said.
"These changes seek to increase list flexibility for the industry while also providing a further competitive balance tool in the middle of the season."
Players looking to get picked up will need to have nominated for the draft before or been on an AFL list.
Clubs will be able to utilise a newly created 'inactive list' for players who retire or suffer season-ending injuries, opening up a spot on their list for a new player.
The AFL has advised that all newly drafted players will have to fit under the salary cap and that the mid-season draft order will be set by reverse ladder positions at a yet to be determined date.
