HOW does the competition become more equal?

It is an important question, but AFL deputy chief Gillon McLachlan says club CEOs are yet to agree on the best way to tackle it.

The topic of equalisation will be high on the agenda when AFL CEOs meet on Thursday to discuss the big issues facing the game.

McLachlan said the equalisation summit held in March had led to an acceptance among all clubs that the issue needed to be addressed.

McLachlan told AFL.com.au that between $15-18 million was necessary to close the gap between poor clubs and the rich.

He said there was no consensus as yet on what is needed to be done but the AFL would continue to work with clubs to address the issue.

CEOs contacted by AFL.com.au expected Thursday's meeting to be a progress report that focused on work being done on equalisation, rather than one that will see specific proposals being adopted.

The idea of variable pricing was put on hold in April but other ways of sharing costs or raising revenue will be canvassed.

With the competition roughly split in half between the have and have nots, the AFL considers it timely for the competition to examine all the levers that may impact on the different revenue bases that exist between clubs.  

Players have also made it clear that they consider themselves to be a key stakeholder in any discussion around the issue.

The AFLPA has said the key planks of equalisation, such as the draft and the salary cap, will come under pressure if all players don't consider that they have an equal chance of success regardless of which club drafts them.

The current five year collective bargaining agreement is 18 months old and due for mid-term review at the end of 2014.  Club CEOs expect it may be a subject for discussion on Thursday.

It is also expected that feedback will be sought at Thursday's meeting on the length of the AFL season and its future structure.

The fixture has been an ongoing discussion, with AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou raising the prospect before round one of starting future seasons earlier in the year.

Players have also argued that clubs should start pre-season training on the same date to ensure adequate time off to restore work-life balance.

Progress of the fixture debate will need to be made soon.

An update on the illicit drugs policy working party will also be provided with CEOs to be told that the self-reporting mechanism will be tinkered with to ensure it delivers on its original intention as a way of encouraging those who need it to seek support.

AFL players consider confidentiality to be a non-negotiable with many considering that support for those with mental health challenges should be increased.