The Brisbane Lions' General Manager of Football David is a fan of the changes coming to the 2018 AFL Trade and Draft period. 

The Trade Period deadline has been slightly shortened and the AFL Draft will become a two-day event under major changes designed to turn player movement in an extravaganza.  

Live trading is also set to be introduced for the first time.

"We are excited for it [live trading]," Noble said.

"As an industry, we are ready to go down that path. There's been some good research and debate amongst the clubs. 

"I think we are ready for it. It's going to be a new venture for us."

The ability for clubs to hold onto their picks and trade them right up until the draft may mean clubs can hold out on trades for weeks and weeks. 

"As we see through the trade period, things are often stacked as we are waiting for one or two major events to unfold," Noble said.

"It could end up being the same. There will be more thinking about what that trade will allow you to do with your next move. It could delay things, which will make the first night of the draft very exciting."

"We are limited to trading only one year in advance. A few of us are keen to start looking at possibly a couple of years into the future...small steps."

Midfield depth will again be the focus for the Lions in the upcoming Trade and Draft period. 

"We still feel midfield for us is the focus - potentially some mature ages. We are keen to populate that age group. Charlie [Cameron] fitted that criteria for us really well last year."

"The other one would be running halfback or running wingman. They could be two areas we look at.

"You can't have too many good players on your list."

Noble also discussed the playing futures of Luke Hodge and Dayne Beams. 

"I'm happy to go on the record, the way Dayne is invested in our group at the moment...there's nothing that I get the sense that he won't be with us short or long term," Noble said. 

"I'm not sure where all the news around his contract has come from.

"The plan was always for Hodge to play for two years. His form and preparation has been outstanding this year. He is really clear that he wants to play next year.

"He might be managed a bit more next year." 

Listen to the full interview with David Noble on SEN below.