THE ROOKIE is set to survive for one more season as clubs push for change to create more freedom with their selection and list management practices.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan all but ruled out immediate changes to the rookie list on Friday, but acknowledged it was a point of discussion.
Speaking at the AFL Commission's meeting in Brisbane, McLachlan said any changes were likely to be implemented for 2018.
"Nothing will happen for next year, but there are different looks at how list management might work and how the list might be composed," McLachlan said.
"I know the abolition of the rookie list has been in that discussion. If it happens, or whatever happens, won't happen until 2018 I think."
The League has met with clubs in the past two months to discuss rookies, with some list bosses pushing for the AFL to introduce more flexibility with list rules.
It has been suggested the League could remove restrictions on when players could be promoted to the senior list as soon as next season.
Some clubs have voiced concerns about the ability for rivals to hoard talent on expanded rosters.
Others are concerned they would lose the ability to offer players one-year contracts, which is the case for rookies.
Under list rules, clubs can keep players on the rookie list for up to three seasons with the player's permission before either promoting them or losing them to the NAB AFL Draft, where rivals can choose to list them.
The rookie list was introduced in 1997 to create opportunities for players outside the normal talent pathway.
In more recent times it has also encouraged clubs to give mature-age players from state leagues opportunities and extend the careers of veterans.
Clubs can have between four and six rookies, depending on the size of their primary list, and an additional three category B rookies.
The second category rookies can be international players, NSW scholarship players with that club or players from other sports who have not been registered in any Australian football competition for the previous three years.
