North Melbourne's financial health remains a major concern for the AFL.

Last month, there was a messy public spat as former director and long-time Kangaroos backer Peter de Rauch made an unsuccessful bid to re-join the club's board.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has backed the club's administration and their on-field performance, but said North continue to have a revenue shortfall.

"Is North Melbourne going to be a strong financial club? No," Demetriou said.

"Can they be a profitable club, a smaller club? Yes, and we're working with them on that."

The Kangaroos have unsuccessfully tried to strike deals to play "home" games in Hobart and North Ballarat.

The league tried to relocate North to the Gold Coast in late 2007 and Demetriou said the AFL would continue to help them find an alternative market.

Demetriou said the financial outlook was rosier for debt-ridden Port Adelaide, who have finally merged with the local Port Adelaide Magpies.

"That's a huge plus for Port Adelaide," Demetriou said.

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