In a bid to rejuvenate the struggling competition, AFL NEB floated the proposal during a recent meeting with club officials.

The move comes as Upper Murray league clubs weigh up whether they have the numbers to continue to run a reserve grade competition next year.

Only three clubs - Bullioh, Cudgewa and Tumbarumba - are presently fielding senior and reserve grade sides.

The move would significantly cut the number of volunteers required as each club could potentially have four or five home matches a season.

AFL NEB regional general manager John O'Donohue hopes to have a clearer vision of what 2020 will look like by late next month.

"We need to be innovative to ensure the game remains relevant and meets community expectations," O'Donohue said.

"We've seen AFLX type models proposed because they meet the markets need for fast, fun entertainment.

"If the traditional delivery format and schedule of AFL in some areas cannot provide a vibrant environment, then alternate delivery formats need to be explored and tested.

"Any initiative has merit if you have local acceptance of change, the benefits of double headers is it provides community engagement in a vibrant day of sport."

The Upper Murray's future will remain unclear for some time with Bullioh seeking a clearance to the Tallangatta and District league and Border-Walwa fighting to stay afloat.

O'Donohue said he could understand why traditionalists may not like the concept, but urged them to keep an open mind.

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"People need to consider what this means and discuss it further which is what they have been asked to do," he said.

"It would be reasonable to suggest that UMFNL clubs are in survival mode and comprehending a solution to the league's challenges isn't easy as everyone has an opinion.

"However, not all are considerate of the necessary detail.

"We'd like to think clubs would embrace innovation to sustain the league."

The NRL parted with tradition this year when 16 teams played over three days at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium earlier this month.