AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says he would like to see Lou Richards honoured in a way that doesn't require the Hall of Fame's longstanding criteria for Legend status to be amended.
Collingwood great Tony Shaw has been among those this week calling for Richards to be named as an official Legend of the game, following the iconic figure's death this week at the age of 94.
Established in 1996, the Hall of Fame has recognised 26 Legends, with a strict criteria that they must have had a particularly significant positive impact on the game as a player or coach.
While Richards had made "extraordinary playing and industry contributions" as a player and media star, McLachlan said it was likely another solution would be needed to honour him appropriately.
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"There's been a lot of discussion specifically around Lou's Legend status," McLachlan said on 3AW.
"I think you could name on one hand, [the figures] who have just made extraordinary playing and industry contributions.
"His significance to where we are today is almost unparalleled.
"People have been working on how we can formally recognise that, I don't have a specific answer for you.
"I'd like to have a discussion offline with others who are best [placed] to see how we can honour him rather than change criteria that has been settled and known."
McLachlan, who will return from this weekend's China match in time for Richards' funeral next Wednesday, said black armbands would be worn in round eight and the AFL was "working on anything we'd like to do beyond that".
"I think the state funeral is significant and clearly we'll play whatever role we can to enhance that," McLachlan said.
In 2009 the AFL offered Richards an Australian Football Hall of Fame 'lifetime achievement award', however, Richards declined.
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