THE AFL has given clubs a commitment that all new rules changes will be implemented by October from this year.
Following the inaugural Competition Committee meeting at AFL House on Thursday, the league said it was paramount clubs had enough time to prepare for the upcoming season.
"Any changes to the game moving forward, we'll actually look at delivering that to clubs and fans (and) the broader competition by October," General Manager of Football Operations Steve Hocking said.
"We're moving away from rules changes or any changes to the game in January or February of a new season. We've given that commitment today."
The meeting included 12 presidents, coaches, CEOs, players and football bosses. It is the first of three meetings this year, with follow-ups scheduled for July and August.
Competition Committee member and Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies said the change was well received by the clubs.
"To know you're approaching trade periods and the start to your pre-season thinking you're going to know the rules at the end of that pre-season is a pretty significant point."
The change to the third-man up rule is one shift that left clubs blindfolded, the AFL deciding on December 21, 2016 to force each clubs to nominate a ruckman for each stoppage.