North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben doesn't want an in-season tournament introduced to the AFL fixture.
The powers that be at clubland and AFL headquarters met this week to discuss a wide range of topics, including how to put together the season's fixture when Tasmania enters the competition in 2028.
A quartet of options have been put forward, with one including a 'three-week in-play tournament'.
"How can you have something in season that's going to compromise the rest of the season?" Comben told Nova 100 on Tuesday.
"Boys aren't going to try as hard, essentially an in-season tournament if it's not towards the premiership.
"Our goal is to win a flag, so I think you keep the season kind of as is.
"I'm always open to new ideas and open to different rounds, etc., from the AFL, and changing the game for the better, but I'm not on board with that."
The options discussed include:
OPTION ONE
* Home and away season decreased to 22 games
* 18 games and four double-ups
* Gather Round removed, or AFL would buy back home games off clubs to retain each club's structure of 11 home and 11 away games
OPTION TWO
* Home and away season increased to 24 games
* 18 games and six double-ups
* Two neutral rounds (including Gather Round)
OPTION THREE
* Home and away season decreased to 20 games and three-week Group Stage structure
* 18 games and two double-ups (which would be Gather Round and Rivalry Round)
* Top 16 teams split into four groups of four (bottom three teams form their own group) and play each other once before the final 10 is determined
OPTION FOUR
*Home and away season decreased to 20 games and a three-week 'in-play' tournament
* 18 games and two double-up matches (Gather Round and Rivalry Round)
* Carved out a three-week block in the middle of the season for a separate tournament
* Four groups of five clubs, with the 20th team a 'State League Stars' concept
