Victorian Premier John Brumby has thrown his support behind Tasmania being granted an AFL team.

In another boost to the island state's push to be included in the league's expansions plans, Brumby said Tasmania had been a great supporter of the AFL and deserved its own side.

Brumby made the comments during a press conference at the MCG, while seated next to AFL football operations general manager Adrian Anderson.

"Tasmania has been a great supporter of AFL and I think it would be great, by the way, if there's a possibility in the future of a Tasmanian AFL team," Brumby said.

"There's always a lot of work that needs to be done in relation to these matters and a senate inquiry might examine some of those issues.

"But I know there have been plenty of people who have spoken to me over the last few months to say that they're keen to see this occur, and put in a good word to the AFL, so I've just done that."

Tasmania's campaign also hit Canberra last week, when Tasmanian Senator Kerry O'Brien told Parliament the state deserved consideration to be part of the national competition.

The AFL has told the Tasmanian government it would consider a submission, but remains committed to expanding to the north.

The AFL wants to grant its 17th and 18th licences to franchises on the Gold Coast and western Sydney, in 2011 and 2012.

Anderson acknowledged Tasmania had contributed plenty to the national competition and expected a worthy submission.

"Tasmania has been a fantastic heartland of football for more than a hundred years and is a vital part of the support base of the AFL competition," he said.

"I understand that they are putting together a proposal for participation of a team in the AFL for some time in the future and we welcome that, and I understand it's gathering some momentum."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP