The AFL could introduce short-term playing contracts into the game for clubs seeking to replace injured footballers mid-season.

And the rookie player could become a relic of the past as the competition explores ways of simplifying club lists from 2017.

Players union chief Paul Marsh says there is some support among the players to abandon the rookie system. Credit:Getty Images

With the league's finance boss Ray Gunston heading a team of AFL executives addressing each of the 18 clubs regarding the forthcoming carve up of the forthcoming $2.5 billion media rights, the league chiefs have also sounded out club bosses regarding potential list management reforms.

The mooted mid-season draft remains on the table but Fairfax Media understands the AFL's preferred model is to introduce short-term contracts into the competition. The proposal has not yet been discussed with the players association but if adopted would form part of the next collective bargaining agreement.