AFL great Leigh Matthews has been backed by "several clubs" to fill a vacant position on the AFL Commission amid 'frustration' from areas of the league in regard to the delay in filling a pair of vacant roles.
Currently, two positions on the Commission have remained open for over a year, while another is currently unoccupied as a member is on leave.
The situation, coupled with the fact no former player is currently on the Commission, has began to drive a rally from some clubs to back Matthews for a role at AFL House.
Matthews, considered one of the game's all-time greats - recognised with Legend Hall of Fame status, would bring a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the league's headquarters and administration hierarchy.
According to 7 News Melbourne, there is a push to have the Hawthorn great fill a vacancy on the AFL Commission in what would be "a huge coup" for the league.
"Privately, several clubs remain a little bit frustrated over a governance issue or a perceived one, (with) two vacancies on the Commission, and one commissioner on leave, that haven't been filled now for over a year," reporter Tom Browne revealed on Wednesday.
"In particular, there's no former footballer on the AFL Commission. It's a bit strange.
"Leigh Matthews' name has come up again this week, several clubs telling me today they would support Matthews' appointment.
"It would be a huge coup for the AFL. Matthews is regarded as the best footballer ever and a four-time premiership coach."
The Commission is currently working through a number of job searches, with none more important than selecting the AFL's next CEO as Gillion McLachlan plans to depart in April.
While a new General Manager of Football is also needed, the Commission are sure to have the CEO as a top priority given McLachlan's incoming departure date, which will coincide with the end of the AFL's Gather Round fixture in Round 5.
As many as seven candidates are understood to have partaken. in a second round of interviews for the position, three of which being incumbents at AFL House already.
AFL head of finance, clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld, executive general manager of football Andrew Dillon and general manager of customer and commercial Kylie Rogers all firm as leading names for the job.
A quartet of club bosses are also seen to be in the mix, with Brendon Gale (Richmond), Tomn Harley (Sydney), Simon Garlick (Fremantle) and Dave Matthews (GWS) also interviewed for a second time.
"The Commission met today and there was a second round of interviews for Gil's replacement," Browne added.
"The field remains a closely guarded secret, but I understand it still includes these four clubs' CEOs (Harley, Gale, Garlick and Matthews).
"And this is significant, leading commercial boss Kylie Rogers, who is highly regarded (remains in the race)."
McLachlan is still needing to resolve several matters at AFL House before his departure, with the ongoing investigation into the Hawthorn racism scandal, potential AFL expansion to Tasmania, and a new CBA for the AFL and AFLW also required.
Gather Round, which will see all nine Round 5 fixtures take place in South Australia, will be held from April 13-16.