THE AFL Commission is 'impressed' by the Tasmanian government's proposal for the granting of an AFL licence, but the future of the bid remains in limbo while an appropriate response is formulated.

That was the major finding of the meeting of AFL commissioners on Monday where Tasmania's bid to enter a state team in the league was tabled.

"The AFL Commission discussed the Tasmanian government licence proposal as part of their meeting in Melbourne today and was impressed with the level of detail that was put forward," said a statement released by the AFL.

"While the Tasmanian government understands that they are not competing for the 17th or 18th team licences, which have been decided for the Gold Coast and Western Sydney respectively, the AFL Commission has reviewed the submission and the next step will be to prepare a response to the Tasmanian government submission in the coming weeks."

Reigning premier Hawthorn currently plays four premiership games per season at Launceston's Aurora Stadium as part of its major sponsorship agreement with the Tasmanian government. It's an arrangement which has proved financially beneficial to both parties.

The Hawks took the 2008 Premiership Cup to the Apple Isle just days after their grand final win over Geelong and have toured the state extensively as part of the Telstra AFL Community Camp program.

However, the state government has been vocal in its desire to see a locally-based side enter the national competition since the 17th and 18th licences were granted last year and has set up a website – tassiefootyteam.com.au - to trumpet the benefits of its submission.

Confectionary maker Mars made headlines in 2008 when it pledged to become the major sponsor of any Tasmanian AFL side with a package worth $4 million.

The state's Premier David Bartlett said the groundswell of public support and positive financial modelling showed that Tasmania was ready to host its own club. 

"Our submission last year to the AFL executive, including commission head Mike Fitzpatrick, made the strongest possible case for Tasmania to have a team in the AFL," Mr Bartlett told Hobart based newspaper The Mercury.

"I am confident that the case for a Tasmanian AFL team ticks all the boxes. Tasmania stands ready to enter the national competition when the opportunity arises.

"I am looking forward to a response from the AFL."

As expected, there were no resolutions involving final approval for the Gold Coast licence to come out of the meeting, its first of the year.

"We are continuing to talk to all major stakeholders," an AFL spokesman said of the Gold Coast bid.

The GC17 consortium have appointed Guy McKenna as coach and they will field a team this season in the under-18 TAC Cup this year.

The proposed timetable has been for Gold Coast to enter the AFL in 2011 and a team from western Sydney to join the following season.