Essendon could receive an extra cash boost this season with the introduction of an AFL incentives system for Etihad Stadium tenant clubs.

Under the deal, clubs including Essendon would receive a ‘bonus’ for reaching attendance targets at selected games.

The AFL sets the bonus target in line with Club attendance projections and if the target is met the bonus will be incremental revenue in addition to the club’s match return.

"We applaud the AFL for providing an additional incentive for clubs to go above and beyond to drive increased attendances as well as providing the opportunity to improve our match returns at Etihad Stadium in 2017,” Essendon’s Chief Marketing Officer Justin Rodski said.

"We continue to have productive discussions with the AFL about our stadium deal for 2018 and will provide more updates to members as those conversations progress.”