AFL boss Gillon McLachlan hopes there is a Tasmanian team in the women's league "sooner rather than later".
But like the thorny issue of Tasmania and the men's competition, there are no guarantees to when or if it will happen.
McLachlan pointed to North Melbourne having Tasmania as a women's development region.
"I believe that will work to help, hopefully, Tasmania have a women's team - sooner rather than later," he told the Melbourne Press Club.
"But there is a long journey to go on the talent."
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Last month, outgoing AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick pointed to Tasmania's north-south rivalry as to why the island does not have its own AFL team.
Instead, Hawthorn play home games at Launceston and now North have a home-ground deal in Hobart.
Fitzpatrick's comment brought a sharp rebuke from Tasmanian economist Saul Eslake, who called it a pathetic excuse.
On Tuesday, McLachlan again expressed support for a Tasmanian AFL team, while emphasising there are plenty of reasons why it has not happened.
"Hopefully I've been direct about Tasmania - I believe, fundamentally, Tasmania deserve their own team.
"If nothing else for the fact they are so passionate, so committed to our game.
"I've said that a number of times.
"There are then challenges in getting that done, in terms of ... and I don't want to get into the politics of the state.
"I've been clear that I believe one team for Tasmania is the right solution but I'm also accepting that there are deals in place (with Hawthorn and North)."
Two years ago, McLachlan said Tasmania also lacked the economic clout to support its own AFL team.
Instead, the AFL expanded into Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast.
