AFL chief Andrew Demetriou says he doesn't know if 2014 will be his last season in the job, but the end is getting closer.
Demetriou's 10th season in charge was enormously stressful and controversial. It was dominated by Essendon's supplements scandal.
The league chief said on Thursday night he didn't want the 2014 season to feature endless speculation over his own future.
"I've said this is not about me and not about individuals," Demetriou told Seven News.
"We are moving forward with the game.
"I don't want this season to be about me. I want the season to be about the game."
Asked about a rumour he'd already started having discussions with AFL heavyweights about a succession plan to be put into action later this year, Demetriou said: "You must know something that I don't."
But the chief added: "I've got to be getting closer to not being here than being here."
The league handed the Bombers a $2 million fine in August 2013, banning the club from the finals and suspending coach James Hird for 12 months.
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's investigations into Essendon continue, with no indication if or when infraction notices will be served.
Demetriou said the issue of whether or not Hird should be paid during his suspension was a matter for the club.
