Tas Govt aiming over Demetriou's head for AFL bid

The Tasmanian Government has signalled it is prepared to bypass the AFL's chief executive Andrew Demetriou in its bid for an AFL side.

A business case supporting a Tasmanian side will be presented to the AFL later this year.

Mr Demetriou says a team in Tasmania is not a high priority for the league who have invested in expanding on the Gold Coast and western Sydney.

But Tasmania's Tourism Minister Paula Wriedt says she will not be deterred by Mr Demetriou's stance.

"Andrew Demetriou, yes is the CEO, but I believe ultimately this decision will be made by the commissioners, and certainly over the next six weeks I'll be aiming to meet with them all, and put forward Tasmania's compelling case," she said.

The steering committee for the team's application has appointed the accountancy firm of former Bomber's great James Hird to build their bid.