AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has pledged not to "abandon" Tasmania as the traditional football state goes through its crisis.

The Tasmanian State League was left reeling earlier this year when Burnie followed Devonport by pulling out of the competition due to a lack of players.

It follows a lean patch for Tasmania for producing players at the top level, with just one player in total from the state taken in the past two national drafts.

Speaking at the AFL's season launch at the Forum in Melbourne, the League's chief executive said Tasmania would not be overlooked.

"Football is alive and well. Of course, there are challenges in our great game. In Tasmania, there are some issues which need to be addressed," McLachlan said.

"But I promise you, the AFL will not forget or abandon one of our founding states.

"Football is about a sense of belonging and connection and we will work with all of Tasmania and its fans to ensure that happens."

McLachlan confirmed last week he will visit Tasmania to speak about the issues facing the clubs, competitions and development programs, but also said he didn't foresee Tasmania having its own stand-alone team in the AFL.

He also reiterated the AFL's view is that Tasmania would be better served if one of Hawthorn or North Melbourne, who both play home games in the state, was a single tenant.

In setting the scene for the 2018 season at the launch in front of club and AFL dignitaries, McLachlan also reflected on the unpredictable 2017 year that saw the Tigers break their 37-year premiership drought.

"The (Richmond) board held their nerve and provided the stability, the footy department provided the boldness, the players did their bit and Damien [Hardwick] and Trent [Cotchin] provided the leadership," McLachlan said.

He also looked to the future, saying the AFL's role will continue to be to progress the game while respecting its past.



"Our growth agenda is clear. Kids, women and families, New South Wales and Queensland," he said.

"The hunger and commitment is there from all 18 clubs – to grow their supporter bases, to introduce more Australians to our game."

Round one will open next Thursday night when more than 90,000 fans are expected to be at the MCG when the Tigers unfurl their 2017 flag before playing Carlton.