The AFL and Andrew Dillon are on the hunt for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) and will target clubland in their search to fill the role.

Since becoming Gillon McLachlan's successor 18 months ago, Dillon has been working tirelessly to ensure the relationships with all 18 teams remain a priority amid a sweeping amount of changes throughout the league.

The executive search process for the Chief Operating Officer role will formally commence next week.

Dillon said he expected the successful candidate would have CEO or Executive level experience at one of the 18 AFL clubs.

"I have made no secret that relationships with the clubs is a key priority, and this role continues to reinforce the work the Executive team has already done," Dillon said.

"If we are to remain the number one sport in the country, then we need to work hand in hand with the clubs to deliver the best possible experience for our fans, our participants, our people across the industry and our partners."

The COO will have oversight of the execution of the AFL's Strategic and Growth Plans, relationships with the AFL Clubs as well as key industry projects and marquee events such as Opening Round and Gather Round, to ensure the industry was aligned in maximising growth.

Experienced AFL General Managers David Grossman, Tristan Salter and Simon Kelleher will form part of the COO's team.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCC) CEO Stuart Fox was flagged as a potential candidate but it is understood, according to the Herald Sun, that he ire set to remain put.

GWS' Dave Matthews and Western Bulldogs' Ameet Bains are in the mix.

Sydney's Tom Harley and Fremantle's Simon Garlick pose as strong options given their experience in club land, while the work Travis Auld performed - who has since left to join the Australian Grand Prix Corporation - is something the league is after.

Auld's job was to ensure 80 per cent of the club's complaints and issues never reached McLachlan's desk, writes journalist Jay Clark.

Dillon would ideally have someone assist him in matters such as Ken Hinkley's outrage during last year's semi-final victory over Hawthorn.

Or help bridge a gap between the powers that be at AFL HQ and all 18 clubs, squashing any murmurings of ongoing issues.

It is also understood that the successful candidate for the COO position will eventually usurp Dillon once he hands over the reins.

The role will also claim a $1million pay packet.

The announcement of the COO position follows the recent change of Matthew Chun's role, who, at the start of this year, formally took over as Chair of Marvel Stadium and has oversight of the Marvel Stadium operations.