Gillon McLachlan expects the AFL will continue to tinker with their short-form preseason competition until they ruin the game completely "get it right".

Admitting AFLX took attention away from AFLW, leaving supporters of both largely AWOL or MIA on the weekend, the CEO of the Australian Football League said his marketing team had found a way to keep everyone happy.

"We've taken learnings from the National Party… no doubt. Sex sells" said McLachlan from outside AFL House, adding that the League will trial a new version of the game called "AFL Ex".

"We're proposing a mixed version of the short-form game where the boys take on teams made up of their former partners. It's right in that reality TV, pop culture sweet spot."

McLachlan said a number of "high profile" former WAGs had already signed on to participate and the proposal had been "well received" by those at Club Land, but this reporter isn't so sure with Essendon already ruling out a high profile recruit from next years tournament, and a Richmond premiership photographer defender withdrawing from the 2019 series citing general soreness.

More as this story develops.