THE AFL Players' Association is open to exploring possible improvements to the AFL's first free agency and trade period, however it thinks the new system generally has been a success.

The AFLPA's player relations manager Ian Prendergast said the increased number of players traded was a positive, as was the professional way in which all sections of the industry treated the new system.

During this year's four-week Gillette AFL free agency/trade period 35 players switched to new clubs, more than double last year's tally of 17.

Ten players (four restricted, six unrestricted) made their way to new clubs via free agency.

This was from an original list released in March of 62 unrestricted and 19 restricted free agents. Two other players on that list - Angus Monfries and Jordan Russell - were traded to new clubs during the period.

"We have seen a whole range of players vying for new clubs where they can regenerate their careers or further their careers, which is absolutely fantastic from the Players Association point of view," Prendergast said.

He said players and the AFL had agreed to a longer time frame for reasons that remained sound from the players' perspective, even though the bulk of trades - 17 in the final three days - happened close to the deadline.

"We certainly supported that on the basis that it provided players and the clubs with an adequate period of time to facilitate any deals that may be available, particularly given that they don't get the opportunity to do so until the season finishes, unlike some other professional sports throughout the world," Prendergast said.

"I think that the level of movement and the stories that we have seen in terms of players finding new homes supports the basis for having that length of time in place."

However he accepted that the trade and free agency period's length was one of a number of issues that might provoke further discussion and consideration.

Also likely to be debated were the allocation of compensation picks at the end of the free agency period and the potential hold-up that caused to possible trades and transparency around the formula for awarding compensation.

Prendergast said that before any changes were suggested, even if it was a subject that required further discussion with the AFL, the organisation would first consult the players and player agents. 

Some parties have argued for compensation picks to be abolished. Others have said the time was too long while some clubs have found it easier to attract and retain players than others.

Prendergast would not put a timeline on when the AFLPA may be in a position to offer its thoughts on what changes, if any, it might suggest.