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IS THE cram on?

AFL players were asked for their preferred season model as part of the competition-wide survey sent on Monday night, with the real possibility of a 'front-ended' start to the season.

And Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has joined West Coast skipper Luke Shuey in declaring their clubs' willingness to get the season under way this weekend, as planned. 

In an unprecedented move, clubs from around the country were briefed by the AFL Players' Association as the fallout from the coronavirus crisis continues.

Following the League's historic announcement that it would shorten the season to 17 rounds, the AFLPA spoke to its members and asked for feedback on possible solutions to the challenges ahead. 

It addressed the male and female cohorts in separate meetings. 

AFL.com.au understands the AFLPA included in the survey for male players a question on their preferred season structure, which asked if they would have liked to postpone matches until later in the season potentially during the anticipated COVID-19 peak, start this Thursday as per normal, or commence on Thursday but fit in more games early in the season in the expectation there will be an enforced break at some stage of the year.  

The potential push for clubs to play more games in a smaller window to start the season, with officials discussing the possibility of shorter breaks, is a strong consideration for the AFL as it comes to grips with the moving situation. 

The survey, which players had until 9.30pm AEDT on Monday to complete, is being used to inform the AFLPA's position rather than be a straight vote for their stance.

Also included in the survey were questions around, based on the current level of information, whether they would be comfortable playing this weekend and if they had any fears about serious risks to their health.

Richmond skipper Cotchin echoed the sentiments of his Eagles counterpart Shuey, who spoke earlier on Monday, saying his Tiger teammates were good to go for Thursday night's scheduled season-opener. 

"As it stands, the players feel like they're prepared and ready to play this weekend. Having said that there is a lot of depth to the conversation," Cotchin told Channel Nine on Monday night.  

They were also asked if they would have preferred to attempt to play a 22-game season – something AFL boss Gillon McLachlan ruled out hours earlier.

Earlier on Monday, coaches were also briefed by the League but left with little certainty about how games were set to unfold.

AFL.com.au understands the coaches couldn't be guaranteed on how the structure of round two would look.

The AFL is expected to confirm on Tuesday whether round one will go ahead.