A concussion substitute is expected to be introduced for the start of the 2013 season as the AFL attempts to curb the potentially dangerous effects of head-knocks.

While the League is yet to reveal exact details of the 'concussion sub', it is likely the current substitute will be permitted to enter the field of play while a potentially concussed player is assessed.

If the player is cleared to return to the action, the substitute will return to the bench and put the red vest back on.

It is thought the AFL will confirm the use of a 'concussion sub' during the historic 'concussion in football' conference, which begins on Wednesday at Etihad Stadium.

Leading sports medico Dr Peter Larkins said clubs and doctors would appreciate the change.

"The doctors have been under too much pressure to make the concussion assessment too quickly," Larkins told AFL.com.au.

"The concussion sub allows them more time to do it in a quiet environment, and the team will not be disadvantaged.

"There’s not the pressure from the coaches box yelling down to the bench saying ‘where is he or how long until he’s back?'"

Providing extra flexibility to the substitute system has also received resounding support from both AFL and club medicos, coaches and the AFL Players' Association.

It's believed the decision was ratified by the AFL Commission this week.

Despite support for the concussion sub, the AFL world still remains divided on the question of how many weeks a player should rest after receiving a head-knock, a topic sure to be addressed at the concussion conference.

The two-day conference at Etihad Stadium is a joint initiative of Australia's major football codes involving representatives from the AFL, NRL, ARU and FFA plus leading medicos from around the world.