A PLAN to safeguard clubs who have a disastrous year after trading a future draft pick has been included in an AFL discussion paper sent to clubs a fortnight ago.

The "protected picks" suggestion would allow clubs who trade future picks to attach conditions to the future pick so it does not become a much earlier pick than the one intended at the time of trade.

It would mean, for example, that if a team traded a protected pick in a future draft and that selection ends up being in the top five selections when the draft happens, the original team keeps the pick.

If introduced, protected picks, which are a feature of trading of future picks in the NBA, would add another layer of complication to the draft points system being introduced this season to ensure that clubs pay fair value for academy and father-son bids.

Although clubs contacted by AFL.com.au did not see a pressing need for protected picks to be enshrined in a future trading system, many saw merit in the idea and said it might become part of a trading agreement if particular clubs involved in a trade that included future picks deemed it necessary.

In the discussion paper, clubs were also asked their thoughts on a range of measures that might stop clubs from making short-term decisions that would put their long-term stability in jeopardy. Proposals included clubs having to hold on to a minimum number of first-round picks in a band of years (for example, at least two first-round picks being retained in a four-year period).

AFL.com.au understands several clubs have suggested that the introduction of trading future picks should be delayed until the academy/father-son points system has had time to bed down and former AFL Commissioner Bill Kelty's review of state league football is complete.

However other clubs are keen to add fluidity to the market immediately with the introduction of future pick trading.

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold revealed his club's desire to be able to trade future picks earlier this season, with the Hawks believing that the academy bidding system would favour clubs from northern states unless future trading is introduced this season.

Clubs submitted responses on Wednesday, July 15 for AFL consideration.

The AFL Commission is expected to make the decision on whether the trading of future picks is introduced for the 2015 trading period in enough time to allow clubs to prepare.