Gillon McLachlan admits there's no easy way to solve Tasmania's AFL crisis and boost the state's junior participation levels.
The league boss on Wednesday met local league and government figures during a whirlwind trip to the state, which recently lost two teams from its top competition.
He announced Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and AFL legend Nick Riewoldt would form part of a 'steering' committee, tasked with analysing the state of the game in Tasmania.
"We want Tasmanian talent competing at every level," McLachlan said.
"Today is a strong start for footy to progress in one of our founding states.
"We won't let Tasmanian football go without, but solutions are not easy and will take time."
There is growing concern among local fans the AFL is ignoring the grassroots football in the state at the expense of northern expansion and projects such as AFLX.
This season's Tasmanian State League (TSL) won't feature teams from the northwest region after Burnie and Devonport had pulled out.
McLachlan said the TSL had a "lack of relevance" for recruiters.
Increased funding and a conference system for the state league and a Tasmanian team in the NEAFL, VFL and under-18 TAC Cup are options that will be considered by the committee.
But those campaigning for Tasmania to have its own AFL team shouldn't hold their breath.
McLachlan said that won't be a possibility until after 2021 when deals with North Melbourne and Hawthorn expire.
"I'd love Tasmania to have an AFL team," he said.
"I think Tasmania deserves their own team, but I'm really real about the chances of having one."
McLachlan announced an immediate $200,000 injection to subsidise junior players' levies.
"Being able to get that small win, that's great for families and the talent program so there's no barriers for them to participate," newly appointed AFL Tasmania CEO Trisha Squires said.
Squires will be on the committee, chaired by McLachlan, which has a June 30 deadline to decide on a state-wide fix.
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