Footballers are being encouraged to speak out against what they see as misinformation in the media by publicly highlighting factually incorrect stories "to take back control" of their images.

The AFL Players Association has been meeting clubs in recent months about a range of issues, including the media. One of the player union's suggestions to combat inaccurate stories was for footballers respectfully to call out factual errors or what they regard as unfair reporting.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlanbelieves players would be better off staying away from social media. Credit:Joe Armao

Players have been told a more pro-active approach would work better to improve relationships between reporters and athletes.

The Age understands some players raised the idea of players contacting journalists directly to talk through problematic stories, but the ALFPA did not endorse this, saying it was a matter for clubs.