AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan hopes Essendon champion James Hird will accept the AFL's invitation to present the Norm Smith medal on Grand Final day.

He said he hoped it would provide a platform for Hird to return to the game after his recent exile due to Essendon's supplements scandal.

"I hope James accepts the invitation. I hope people see the opportunity in that," McLachlan said.

As the winner of the 2000 Norm Smith medal when captain of Essendon, it is Hird's turn to present the medal at the 2017 AFL Grand Final. 

Last year's medal was presented to Western Bulldogs defender Shannon Grant by the 1999 winner North Melbourne's Shannon Grant.

The AFL was aware of the debate the decision would cause given Hird was coach in 2013 when the Bombers ran their ill-fated supplements program that led to the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspending 34 past and present Essendon players for 2016.

McLachlan said the AFL Commission discussed the decision on whether to invite Hird given the supplements issue, however reached a conclusion quickly.

"There was only one answer," McLachlan said. 

"It was pretty clear."

McLachlan said he had faith in the football public that they would respond positively to Hird on the day.   

"I have such faith in our football supporters," McLachlan said.

"It has the potential to be a significant wrapping of our arms around James. it might not.

I'm an optimist."