IN ANTICIPATION of live trading on draft night, Fremantle sent list manager Brad Lloyd on a reconnaissance mission to the USA.

Lloyd spent a week at the NFL Draft Combine meeting with clubs and league officials ahead of looming changes to the NAB AFL Draft that could be implemented as soon as this season.

Wednesday's annual pre-season briefings with presidents, CEOs and coaches are expected to cover a range of pending changes including mid-season trading and live trading of picks.

"It's all about getting experience and exposure, meeting with clubs to see how they go about things," Lloyd told AFL.com.au

"To see how they use the live trading, how the different rules changes come in and manage the salary cap."

After parting with Lachie Weller and gaining pick No.2 in the final 10 minutes of the 2017 NAB AFL Trade Period, the Dockers took two top-five picks to the draft and selected Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra.

Once introduced, it is expected that trading of picks will occur from the end of Trade Period right up until draft night.

Leading player agent Colin Young, who has been responsible for the movement of Harley Bennell, Jaeger O'Meara and Charlie Cameron in recent seasons, also attended.

"I was able to get a complete understanding on the NFL drafting system, trading of players, how NFL agents work within this period and throughout the year," he said. 

"All the general managers I met were outstanding and were very generous with their time, they're all there so it's the perfect time to cover a lot of territory."

It comes after Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni and then Hawthorn list boss Graham Wright attended the NFL Draft in 2017.

Wright, now Hawks football boss and a member of the League's working party for player movement told the club's website last year: "My opinion is it will come in next year, which will be exciting.

"I think the Trade Period will probably work similarly to how it is now, so there will be picks and players going around October 20."

The location for this year's draft is yet to be determined after the past two years it was held in Sydney.