AFL chief executive Wayne Jackson says Wellington could host an official AFL match in two years.

And the AFL boss hasn't ruled out a team being based in either Auckland or Wellington.

Jackson said he was excited by the prospect of Wellington hosting a regular season clash after the success of previous pre-season matches held in the New Zealand capital.

About 14,000 fans watched Hawthorn play the Bulldogs in 2000 and 8,000 turned up the following year for the clash between Adelaide and Brisbane.

"We often think about where to next, and the what ifs and why nots," he said.

"We have an open mind, and we do think about the growth of the game, including internationally.

"Our rationale is that two generations from now, you may want to have some presence overseas.

"Why wouldn't you have a team in Auckland or Wellington?

"One of our challenges is, can we be the strongest code in Australia in 100 years' time if we're only indigenous?

"I think we can and I think the indigenous nature of our game is its single greatest strength.

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