AFLW clubs are likely to move to a list-management model in 2019 that will provide each club with flexibility around what they pay individual players on their list.

Under the plan being considered for next season, each club's salary cap for their AFLW team would increase and clubs would be able to carve the cap among players in a manner similar to the way the lists of men's AFL teams are managed.

Such a change could lead to AFLW stars receiving pay that reflects their talent and importance to their club's list, with stars such as Daisy Pearce, Kate Brennan, Erin Phillips and Sabrina Frederick-Traub likely to be able to negotiate pay rises.

With Geelong and North Melbourne entering the competition in 2019, there is expected to be increased activity in recruiting and re-signing players putting even more pressure on clubs to manage their list well.

Although the list-management model is considered a logical progression for AFLW, the size of any salary cap increase remains uncertain with the AFL yet to determine revenue projections for 2019 with broadcast rights yet to be negotiated and sponsorship figures unclear.

Until such figures are established it's anticipated that discussions with the AFLPA, which represents AFLW players, would remain preliminary rather than becoming formal negotiations.

Under the arrangements in place for 2018 a tier-one player is paid a fixed amount of $20,000 as part of the salary cap while tier-two players receive $14,500 and senior-listed players receive $10,500. Rookie-listed players receive $8500.

Clubs can then pay players up to $10,000 in ambassadorial payments, with each of the eight clubs able to spend a maxium of up to $40,000 in such payments to two or more players in 2018, which means an individual player can earn up to $30,000 this season.

The AFLW primary list in 2018 is 27 and the number of rookies jumped to three but clubs remain uncertain as to the size of lists in 2019.

Under the new arrangements clubs will be able to develop more modern list-management strategies, adding another element to the competition.