TEAMS starting with six players in the ground's three zones at centre bounces is the least drastic potential rule change the AFL is considering, Essendon football boss Dan Richardson says.

Richardson met with all club general managers of football at AFL House on Friday, along with the League's head of football Steve Hocking and competition committee members David Rath and James Podsiadly.

Among the topics were the state of the game, recent rule trials conducted by Hawthorn, Brisbane and Fremantle, mid-season player movement and the player talent pathway.

The AFL has issued invites to the remaining 15 clubs to run their own trials if they wish.

Richardson told AFL.com.au it was too early to indicate whether the Bombers would organise their own trial, but it "couldn't do any harm" if it fits in with the club's training schedule.

It is understood the AFL has shortlisted 10 possible rule changes, including a 6x6x6 set-up at centre bounces, extending the goal square to 25m for kick-ins and fewer interchange rotations.

"The main point to make is we need to know what the unintended consequences of any rule changes are, so they're still working through that with the trials," Richardson said.

"I imagine there will be a few more of them now and the work will continue.

"But it's certainly very thorough and it's aimed at increasing players' ability to play a bit more on instinct and increase scoring, which I think everyone is supportive of."

Scoring this season is at a 50-year low and football purists are complaining about congestion spoiling how the sport looks aesthetically.

Richardson is still torn on whether any changes are necessary, particularly following back-to-back nights of high-quality football this week, but is supportive of the ongoing game analysis.

"You wonder over time whether it will (naturally) evolve, and if both teams are strong at defensive structures, does that cancel each other out and then does the game open up again?" he said.

"That's one question I have, but that said, I'm not against what the AFL are doing, which is looking thoroughly into the game and wanting to ensure it continues to be the best possible spectacle.

"I'm open to looking at ways to ensure the game continues to remain instinctive for players rather than too structured."

As for the meeting's other discussion points, Richardson is warier about mid-season player trading than re-introducing a draft.

"I think mid-season trading is a bit more complicated than potentially just being able to draft a few players in from second-tier comps that may have nominated for the draft before," he said.

"That's probably a bit simpler than mid-season player trading. I think there are a few more implications and consequences of the trading that need to be considered."