AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says the format for the expanded 2018 AFLW will be revealed in the next month, with a conference system among the options.

The competition will grow to 10 teams next year with the addition of Geelong and North Melbourne.

"We're working through that. Conference is an option, longer season is an option," McLachlan said in Sydney on Wednesday.

"There's three scenarios. We've had one good long conversation about it, some feedback and we'll look to make an announcement over the next three or four weeks."

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking issued directives to the clubs after the first round of the competition this season to ease congestion and McLachlan didn't rule out more tinkering with the rules.

"I think we'll continue to look at the rules, so we play the best possible brand of football for the athletes that are out there," McLachlan said.

"Steve will talk with the clubs about different rules we can have to spread the game.

"I know he raised it in the last pre-season about stoppages. Could you have forwards and backs in each of the 40-metre arcs, so that's an example of something that could be done simply.

"No more lines, we could ease congestion and recognise the women's AFLW is different to the men's comp."

McLachlan said the AFL couldn't have been more pleased with the second AFLW season and that the standard of football had improved through the competition.

"We need to look at facilities and we'll work in partnership with state governments, I hope," he said.

"We're averaging 7000-8000 people, we need the right-sized facilities and right amenities to deal with that.

"We'll continue to work with our clubs to develop the players that are playing, so there's so much to do.

"But I think from where we were 18 months ago, we've come a really long way and I'm proud of all the clubs and all the female players."


Contact: womensfootball@geelongcats.com.au