The AFL board met with over 100 interested parties keen to help establish a second Sydney franchise by 2012, and toured proposed facilities at Blacktown and at the Sydney Showgrounds at the Olympic precinct.
The AFL is considering a proposal by the Royal Agricultural Society for a Showground upgrade to turn the facility into a 25,000-seat stadium.
Former NSW Premier Morris Iemma provided a $40,000 grant to the AFL in April to undertake a concept plan to re-develop the Showground.
The stadium could be used for non-blockbuster games and could provide a more cost-effective and fan-friendly alternative to ANZ Stadium, which is situated in close proximity.
"We had an excellent look ... I'd have to say the Commission came out of that investigation with a much more positive view," Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said on Tuesday.
"Seeing the facilities at Blacktown and the Showgrounds gave us an insight arguably we didn't have from the reports we'd read.
"We didn't quite understand what facilities were available and what sort of commitment there was from people in businesses in greater western Sydney."
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou added it was important to view facilities and meet those behind the west Sydney bid in person.
"It's one thing to get reports but for our board to physically go out ... and go to Blacktown with 135 guests from local government, business and interested parties was fantastic.
"The board came away really excited from what we've seen."
