THE AFL has appointed Professor Helen Milroy to the AFL Commission, making her the League's first indigenous commissioner.

A descendent of the Palkyu people of the Pilbara region in Western Australia, Professor Milroy joins the League with more than 30 years of experience in the health and mental health system.

“I am extremely pleased that Professor Milroy is joining the Commission," the AFL's chairman Richard Goyder said in a statement on Friday.

"Helen brings the highest level of clinical and policy experience in the important areas of health, mental health and indigenous affairs to the game’s governing body."

Professor Milroy currently works at the University of Western Australia, while she is a commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission and has also served on the AFL's Indigenous Advisory Committee.

"I am looking forward to working with the AFL Commission across all aspects of the Commissions work. This is an important opportunity to focus on mental health as well as the wellbeing of children and communities through their participation in sport," said Professor Milroy.

She will join the AFL on March 14, 2019.