The AFL will keep its arms-length relationship with the players' association, but will look at tighter control over player agents.

The association is investigating prominent agent Ricky Nixon over his relationship with teenager Kim Duthie, who is at the centre of the St Kilda nude photos scandal.

Nixon, who is on indefinite leave and having treatment for a substance problem, has admitted to "inappropriate dealings" with Duthie.

But he denies her claim that they had a sexual relationship.

Nixon's involvement with the girl and the photo scandal have dealt major blows to the AFL's image.

The players' association, not the league, is responsible for player agent accreditation and so the AFLPA is investigating Nixon.

The AFL has no control over the players' association, which has appointed David Galbally QC to investigate Nixon.

"We're comfortable with the process and the people who run the agents accreditation board and the setup they have, it's served us well since 1998," said AFL lawyer Andrew Dillon of the AFLPA.

But the AFL has conceded it might have to become more involved in the accreditation of player agents.

"It could be that we need to bring the agents into the AFL rules under the guises of the accreditation and maybe the AFLPA is not the appropriate body," AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said.

The league could also start briefing player agents about their respect and responsibility policy.

Demetriou was speaking at Wednesday's pre-season media briefing, where he again strongly defended the way the AFL had dealt with Duthie.

The league first became involved with her last year when Duthie claimed a St Kilda player had made her pregnant - which she has since admitted was a lie.

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