AFL CHIEF executive Gillon McLachlan says a new stadium in Tasmania needs to be a part of the island state's bid for inclusion in the competition.
Earlier this month, Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff indicated a new stadium would not be part of the state's formal proposal to be put before the 18 AFL club presidents.
But the state government is undertaking a $1.25 million feasibility study into a new stadium, which it estimates could cost around $750 million.
'I'M ALL FOR IT' Tassie-born Cat in favour of new team
McLachlan has previously indicated the success of Tasmania's bid is contingent on the development of a new stadium and on Monday said "nothing's changed" in that regard.
"What form that takes, whether it's a conditional issue or something more definitive, we'll work through that," McLachlan said at the launch of the 2022 Toyota AFL Finals Series.
"This is our national game with incredible facilities and I know the Tasmanian government and Tasmanians expect to have that centrepiece of a functional facility of pride, the way Adelaide Oval is in South Australia, the way Optus (Stadium) is in Perth, the way the MCG and Marvel (Stadium) are for Melburnians.
"I don't think Tasmanians would want a team without a new stadium.
"That's what the deal's going to be and nothing's changed about that."
The club presidents had originally been scheduled to vote on the Tasmanian bid by the end of August, but the timeline has been pushed back.
McLachlan said the league would meet with club presidents by Tuesday next week at the latest but did not say if the vote would take place in that meeting.
He said club presidents had not yet been given the final proposal for a 19th licence.
"We will be meeting somewhere between those dates when they've told me they're all available," he said.
"But we just need to finalise a couple of things internally and a couple of things with the Tasmanian government.
"I'm optimistic that will get done and we'll meet with the clubs "
McLachlan did not address media reports the league wanted more money from the Tasmania government, which has offered $150 million in funding, including $10 million a year over 10 years.