INCOMING AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder has signalled his intentions for a community focus as he prepares to take the reins.

Goyder, who's in the process of transitioning out of his role as Wesfarmers chief executive, will officially take over from Mike Fitzpatrick on April 4.

"The AFL transcends Australian life in so many ways and makes such a significant contribution to many communities," Goyder told Macquarie Radio on Wednesday night.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to lead after what Mike Fitzpatrick has done, which has been sensational.

"The AFL is more than a business because of the way that it just reaches into all these communities.

"What we've got the capacity to do in the years ahead with the money from TV rights and other things is to re-invest in communities, re-invest in male and female football, and the facilities we've got, and make a really big contribution around the country." 

Goyder, 57, said the fact he lives in Western Australia and is the first chairman not to permanently live in Victoria hadn't been discussed in relation to him taking on the position. 

"It's a good thing, it's a national competition, and certainly you shouldn't be precluded from being chairman by living outside Victoria." 

The key items on the AFL Commission agenda as Goyder takes charge include finalising a pay deal with players and the possibility of a twilight Grand Final as early as this season.