AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said a Tasmanian AFL team requires backing "from the top down".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Declining to talk timelines, he said the state deserves a team if it is sustainable.
"I think the building blocks are in place," McLachlan told Fox Footy's AFL360.
"If a unified Tasmanian board can develop this under the talent model, the under-18s into the VFL, that's the runway where Tasmania just can't be ignored."
The Tasmanian Devils have been reincarnated this season and the state has a provisional licence to re-enter the VFL in 2021.
"It's obviously going to be a will from the top down, but also delivery and execution by Tasmania. The pathway is there to deliver on the bottom half, and if that happens, then it'll be incumbent, whatever the timing is, for the AFL to deliver on that.
"I've said they deserve their own team before. I think that's a popular view, it's just challenging to get there.
"It's not going to be in the next couple of years, but at least there is a pathway and a plan there."
McLachlan's comments followed Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon saying the nation was "crying out" for a Tasmanian team.
Familiar face
Hawthorn's former Tasmanian operations manager is the new Tasmanian manager for North Melbourne.
Shayne Stevenson led the Hawks' Tasmanian operation from 2006 to 2014 since when he has been chief executive of the Tasmanian Racing Club. He has also held positions at AFL Tasmania and the Glenorchy Football Club.
"Shayne's local knowledge, networks and experience will be a great asset," North managing director and chief executive Carl Dilena said.
Tasmanian-born Stevenson played 45 games for Fitzroy and Hawthorn.
Love sport? Sign up now for our weekly sports wrap newsletter and our subscriber-only Footy Fever email to stay in touch with the latest in local sport.