The AFL's long-term future in Tasmania looks headed for a significant directional shift should the competition accept the conclusion drawn by its own review recently completed by former Western Bulldogs chief Simon Garlick.

Despite the state having committed to a new five-year 20-game deal with Hawthorn from 2017 and being on the verge of a new five-year agreement with the Kangaroos, the AFL Commission last month tabled the Garlick report and its preference for a one-team model.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has been drug tested. Credit:Eddie Jim

It also recommends that one AFL club — which looks certain to be North Melbourne — gains the rights to young talent across the state and establish a multicultural football academy with the virtual doubling of staff at AFL Tasmania which has been under-resourced in terms of game development and community support.

Gillon McLachlan's response to the review remains pivotal to the game's future in a traditional football state where emerging talent numbers have dwindled over recent decades and which looks to be crying out for leadership in unifying the three regions.