THE AFL is moving closer to introducing a trial on flexible ticket pricing this year.

While the games in question are still being determined by the League, it is likely they will include smaller matches as well as the recognised blockbusters.

"We're keen to see how it works," said AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

"It's at the forefront of all our thinking to maintain [the affordability of] going to the football."

The League has flagged the possibility on not only starting out with cheaper pricing for selected games, but also changing prices on the run depending on the demand for tickets once they go on sale.

Overseas consultants are working with the AFL on the trial, which could be introduced on a larger scale in 2014.

"I can assure you we're not introducing anything that would place a larger burden on our supporters," Demetriou said.

Flexible ticket pricing is just one of a number of fan-based initiatives being undertaken by the League this year.

The AFL is in the midst of appointing a new general manager whose brief will to make the game more fan-friendly.

"A lot of work is going into the match day experience and fans," said AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick.

"What the game is all about is fan support."

"In an environment, as we've seen in March, where there's a hell of a lot of competition from other sports, we want the AFL to provide the superior experience for our fans."

Meanwhile, the AFL has admitted to an impasse with Melbourne Stadiums Limited, the owners of Etihad Stadium, over negotiations for the League to bring forward its purchase of the stadium.

"We've had ongoing negotiations over several years for Etihad and the issue, simply, has been price," Fitzpatrick said on Monday.

"Strategically, we'd like to buy it but we haven’t been able to reach agreement with the owners."

The AFL is contractually bound to assume ownership of Etihad Stadium in 2025, but an early purchase would allow it to control the operating costs and assist tenant clubs such as St Kilda, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs to make a better financial return from their home games.