THE AFL has confirmed it has had discussions with Essendon and the AFLPA about a proposal to medically monitor Bombers players into the future, but the three parties are yet to reach a firm agreement.

Under the proposal, Essendon players would be provided with independent medical advice about the substances administered during the club's controversial supplements program in 2012.

A research institute would also be commissioned to be involved in a study of the substances the Bombers believe their players took.

But AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the agreement was still to be worked out.

"There have been ongoing discussions with the AFLPA, the AFL and Essendon. Nothing is settled yet, but there's been dialogue between the three parties," Keane told AFL.com.au.

"We've been working towards this and it's not far away."

AFL medical director Peter Harcourt has played a central role in discussions, with the final agreement to be handed to Essendon’s players once the terms are finalised.

Following the lengthy investigation and raft of penalties handed to the Bombers over the supplements scandal, the League has acted swiftly to ensure the events of 2012 do not reoccur.

There has been a strengthening around clubs' medical departments and how treatments are delivered to players, as well as a requirement for clubs to have "appropriately qualified" medical practioners administering injections.