West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett is poised to join the AFL executive later this year, if Andrew Demetriou succeeds retiring CEO Wayne Jackson.

High-profile industry sources believe Nisbett is the best credentialled club administrator to replace Demetriou as the league's general manager of football operations.

While the 45-year-old Nisbett would not confirm his interest, the lobby to put him into AFL House has already influenced the Eagles to put feelers out for his replacement.

Western Australian Football Commission chief executive Wayne Bradshaw has been identified as Nisbett's potential successor at West Coast.

"It's very premature in my view, with Wayne (Jackson) just announcing his retirement," Nisbett said.

Support for Demetriou to step into the AFL chief executive's role increased over the Easter break, despite no official recommendation from the AFL Commission which will soon meet to appoint a sub-committee charged with finding Jackson's replacement.

It is believed the sub-committee will be chaired by commission chairman Ron Evans and will work in conjunction with a head-hunting firm to interview and form a short-list of candidates.

A Nisbett appointment under Demetriou would appease the majority of the 16 clubs who want better "club" representation on the AFL executive.

Nisbett would also strike an appropriate national balance, being the only West Australian on either the executive or commission.

Nisbett, who has had 23 years in football club administration after starting his career in the WA Football League, has impressed the AFL with several submissions and his input on sub-committees.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP