The deal, which was signed in May, will mean teams can not be revealed until the network's 6pm news bulletin and likely to be held off until its 6.20pm sports bulletin.
In 2011, AFL.com.au announced the teams at 5pm.
A network spokesman told The Age that the decision cements the network as the new home of football, after the broadcaster secured all free-to-air rights next season.
''We'll not only broadcast the best four games every weekend, Seven News will also be the first to reveal all the ins and outs at the selection table every week. And it won't cost footy fans a cent," the spokesman said.
The decision also means the integrity of the sport becomes more closely guarded with AFL executive Gillon McLachlan working together with Channel Seven to make sure teams are not leaked.
Coaches and football managers will be instructed not to reveal team selections, including news of AFL debutants, until after 6.15pm.
