The VFL will merge with the NEAFL from next season to form a super league second tier competition.
The drastic shake up was confirmed on Monday, with 2021 being identified as a "year of transition".
AFL clubs in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales will be given three options next year: field their own sides, form an allegiance with another club or spread their players across multiple teams.
No changes have been made to the SANFL or WAFL.
Additionally, the NAB League Boys and Girls will go from U16 and U18 Levels to U17 and U19.
The draft age will remain at 18 for both the AFL and AFLW.