A Collingwood forward is open to a fresh start.

There is a leading option for the AFL fixture when Tasmania enters the competition.

There were four options put forward in a meeting between the AFL and all club chief executives, with one leading the charge.

It comes as the league is considering reducing its list size.

Why did Tyson Stengle pull out of last week's VFL match?

The Saints have pulled out of a race for an discarded Sun.

And could Sam Mitchell coach elsewhere?

All that and more from media buzz...

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The AFL fixture proposal leading the way

Reported on Footy Classified, club chief executives have thrown the most support around a group-stage model at the end of the home and away season.

The season would be cut to 20 games and have a three-week group stage. It'll consist of 18 unique games and two double ups, which are Gather Round and Rivalry Round.

The top 16 teams would be divided into four groups and play each other once, while the bottom three teams compete for draft incentive.

The three-week group stage would help determine the final 10.

Bobby on the move?

Collingwood premiership forward Bobby Hill is understood to be considering a move away from the club, according to Channel Seven The Agenda Setters.

Hill has struggled with personal issues and has been an inconsistent feature at the Pies. He hasn't played since Round 21 last year, when he was the sub.

The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, who is contracted until the end of 2030, is open to playing at a rival club as well as Collingwood, if the deal is right.

AFL considering reducing list sizes

The league is considering reducing list sizes to accommodate Tasmania's entry in 2028.

For the change would be improving state-league competitions as well as adding fluidity to club lists.

It would take financial pressure off football departments.

Hawks coach open to rival calls

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is contracted until the end of 2027, and said on Monday night he's keen to remain in the brown and gold.

But the following night, on Tuesday, reports have suggested Mitchell is open to receiving calls from rivals.

Stengle struggles laid bare

Troubled Geelong forward Tyson Stengle may be on his last chance at the club as patience is beginning to wear thin.

Stengle was on the improve after a difficult off-season, leading into the beginning of the new campaign. He played VFL two weeks ago, and all systems appeared to be go, heading towards a much-anticipated return.

However, the All-Australian forward was pulled from the latest VFL match due to illness. But according to The Agenda Setters, he may have been spotted in a nightclub 36 hours before the game.

Dean Solomon pushed for the Bombers job in 2022

Essendon caretaker coach Dean Solomon was the least favoured candidate for the vacant job in 2022.

Brad Scott was the eventual successor of the role, but has recently departed the club, opening the door to a new search.

James Hird and Solomon pose as the next options to take over Scott, but they were poles apart four years ago in their presentation, according to the Herald Sun.

Adem Yze and Brendon Lade were sandwiched between Hird and Solomon in the race won by Scott.

Sun not on Saints radar

St Kilda has pulled out of the race for out-of-favour Gold Coast defender Charlie Ballard.

Ballard has struggled to cement his spot in the senior side after a brief return following a long layoff due to an ACL injury.

The Saints were touted as a potential destination, but according to The Agenda Setters, that will not eventuate.

Ballard is being hunted by rival clubs, and is contracted until the end of 2029.

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