AFL CHIEF executive Gillon McLachlan has distanced himself from the Richmond board challenge, but says Tigers president Peggy O'Neal has "done a very good job".
A rival seven-person ticket, led by Melbourne cardiologist Dr Martin Hiscock, was launched on Monday, calling for the Richmond board to stand down.
The 'Focus on Footy' group includes Tigers premiership stars Bryan Wood and Bruce Monteath, who would be installed as football directors.
McLachlan did not delve into the matter, but praised the Tigers' debt-free status and record membership figures under the current board since O'Neal was elected president in 2013.
"There's a point where I think it's not necessarily appropriate for the CEO of the AFL to be getting into issues like this," McLachlan told Fox Footy on Monday night.
"There is an appropriate, democratic process; this is part of the democratic rights of football clubs for passionate supporters with skillsets like Martin (Hiscock) and/or his board to challenge.
"What I would say in this situation is I do think Peggy O'Neal and her board have done a very good job.
"You look at a broad measure of success, the club's in a good spot, but I also get frustration around the football department."
Tigers president O'Neal calls for calm
Meanwhile, the League chief was uncertain whether the post-season bye would become an annual feature on the football calendar.
"We'll have a look at it in the back-half of September and first week or so in October … and see how we go," McLachlan said.
"If we go into this weekend and the crowds are big like we think they will and the (TV) ratings are big, then there's a fair bit of upside, but we'll see."
The weekend off was introduced as a strategy to stop teams resting players en masse in the final week of the home and away season.
The bye generated a mixed response from fans, with some arguing it halted the momentum leading into the finals series.
The AFL's 'celebration of football' took centre stage on the weekend, headlined by the EJ Whitten Legends game and an All-Stars women's exhibition match.
McLachlan also confirmed the Brisbane Lions had officially lodged an application for a priority pick.
"They made a submission on Friday. (AFL general counsel) Andrew Dillon and (football operations manager) Mark Evans will have a look at it … and they'll come to me and whatever the recommendation is – 'yes' or 'no' – will go to the Commission," he said.
AFL.com.au last week reported that the Lions were certain to lodge a priority pick application for the AFL Commission to consider at its meeting on the Monday before the Grand Final.
Last week, McLachlan said the Lions had "a legitimate claim this year" to apply for a priority pick following their three-win season – and seven wins in two seasons.
Priority picks are only awarded at the discretion of the AFL Commission, which takes into account a range of factors, including finals appearances, percentage and injuries.
No club has been granted a priority draft selection since the criteria was amended in February 2012.
