The AFL will look at the entirety of Essendon as an organisation to see if they qualify for an assistance package, not just wins and losses.
The Bombers are seeking help from the league as they sit at the bottom of the competition ladder, with only one victory to their name.
AFL's new head of football, list management and engagement, Just Reid explained the key metrics the league's powerbrokers will look at to determine the outcome.
"We certainly have some framework behind the scenes on what that looks like from an on-field performance," Reid said on AFL Media.
"My personal opinion, I've had conversations internally, it's not just about your wins and losses and your ladder position. It's actually around what it looks like, off the field, what's your strategic plan, how you're utilising your soft cap, who are your key pillars, like
"So let's see what that business model looks like before any other conversation is around that compensation pick."
West Coast, North Melbourne and Gold Coast were the latest clubs to receive assistance from the AFL.
The Suns were handed Pick 1 in 2019 to help land Matt Rowell; the Roos picked up a selection at the end of the first round, the Eagles were granted four extra rookie list spots, as well as a selection (end of first round) to secure Brandon Starcevich.
However, the landscape has changed given the introduction of new draft rules, and in particular, bidding.
Bottom-five clubs will be given an extra draft pick at the start of the second round if their top selection is pushed back by an early bid.
Cody Walker and Dougie Cochrane are both deemed top-five candidates, and they are linked to Carlton and Port Adelaide.
"Obviously, as part of the bidding rule changes, there's an element of compensation there potentially if they finish bottom five, and what that looks like with regards to the start of round two (of the draft), that also has to play a factor," Reid added.
"Again, we'll sit down, listen and have ongoing conversations with any club, Essendon in this case.
"There needs to be more conversations around what that looks like, not just win-loss."
The Bombers have won seven games since the start of last year, and are on the lookout for a new senior coach after sacking Brad Scott.
