Playing spots exclusively for First Nations players will be included on AFL and AFLW lists in 2027.
The AFL has confirmed the expected move on Wednesday, following the endorsement of both the league's Commission and Players' Association.
Clubs will now have an additional Rookie spot on both their men's and women's competition lists, a Category B in the AFL.
It's an optional addition for clubs — unless all three Category B spots at the club are intended to be filled.
More representation is a key aspect of the AFL's First Nations Strategy, announced earlier this year, AFL general manager First Nations engagement and inclusion, Taryn Lee said.
"Our approach has been collaborative, we have listened to our First Nations players whose experiences have provided invaluable insight and an opportunity to ensure we set up our clubs and players for success," Lee said.
At present, 66 First Nations players are on AFL club lists, with 22 on AFLW lists.
This represents eight and four percent of the two competitions respectively.
"We are committed to increasing the number of First Nations players across the AFL and AFLW competition to 111 by 2030," Lee said.
"We know there is significant room for improvement and we see the additional First Nations list spots as a fantastic step forward."
In June, AFL boss Andrew Dillon admitted there was "work to do", on increasing representation, "but we've got targets in mind and big focus points".
The First Nations-designated list spots from 2027 are the result of wide consultation, including that done with the AFL's First Nations Advisory Committee, with club's, their Indigenous Player Development Managers, Indigenous players and the AFLPA.
Any draft eligible and Next Generation Academy players can be selected, though must have been nominated for the previous national drafts.
Current First Nations Category B Rookies already at an AFL club can count as the coming addition.
Clubs cannot delist a First Nations player and immediately keep them on as a Category B Rookie. A 12 month minimum gap would be required to do so.
For AFL lists, prior to making a signing, clubs can invite up to two First Nations players to train with them.
"The introduction of additional list spots occur in conjunction with the development and implementation of Industry Standards on Cultural Capability," the AFL said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Industry Standards will provide clubs with best practice guidance and support to continue to create culturally-safe environments for First Nations players.
"The industry-wide support framework will be prioritised and delivered by the AFL's First Nations Engagement team, in collaboration with the AFLPA, by March 2027 and will build on work already underway across the industry."
Previous seasons have seen just a handful of players arrive at clubs through the national drafts, across the AFL and AFLW.
AFLPA chief executive James Gallagher said "our game is richer for the contributions of First Nations players, and we're committed to ensuring that our football environments support First Nations players to set them up for success at the elite level", adding the new list spots "will create more opportunities".
"Enhancing the cultural capability across the game through best practice guidance and support is aimed at improving the career lengths and experiences of First Nations players," Gallagher said.
AFL football performance executive general manager Greg Swann called the move a mechanism which "will go a significant way to providing opportunity for more First Nations players to play at the highest level".
"The additional list spot provides clubs with flexibility as to how they utilise the opportunity. The additional list spots have been well supported by clubs through the consultation process, and we thank everyone involved," Swann said.
