The two positions, estimated at a six- figure cost, will come from AFL Tasmania's consolidated revenue and is seen as a way of securing the future of both clubs in the State League.

The Burnie manager's role will be filled by Barry Gaby who until now has been AFL Tasmania's North-West regional manager, while Devonport will advertise its position at the weekend.

AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade announced the two new roles at a combined media conference in Devonport yesterday involving club presidents Steve Daley (Devonport) and Peter Vincent (Burnie).

At the same time he ruled out another North-West club joining the State League in the near future.

"It is highly likely we'll be sticking with the two clubs and they will be offered the opportunity to commit to the State League for an additional five-year period to 2018," he said.

"We want to secure the future of the North-West clubs as it would have been easy for them to slot back into the NTFL."

He said the increased investment in the two North-West clubs would far exceed, for the time being, the level of support provided to the other eight clubs in State League.

Burnie and Devonport would continue to receive their annual $50,000 development grant.

At yesterday's announcement Daley said the support shown to Burnie and Devonport proved the long term future of the State League.

"It will go a long way to silencing the detractors of the State League who said it wouldn't last," he said.

Although Burnie's position has been filled by an AFL Tasmania employee Devonport has a preference to employ its own general manager.

"AFL Tasmania will play a collaborative role in the appointment process and the development of their general manager," Wade said.

Gaby will take up his new role with Burnie on October 1 and Devonport's position should be known within the next few weeks.

Wade said AFL Tasmania was following a model that exists in Western Australia with the appointment of district managers.