AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is adamant Hawthorn and North Melbourne won’t suck the life out of a future Tasmanian bid to join the league.

As the Hawks and Kangaroos were preparing for the first “Tasmanian derby” at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium, Demetriou was addressing questions about the possibility of a future AFL team from the state.

Hawthorn play four games per season at Aurora, while North have begun a two-games per year deal at Bellerive in Hobart.

The Hawks have more than 8000 members in Tasmania and North more than 4000.

But Demetriou says that doesn’t make a team based in the state less likely.

“I think they’ve created a real interest again in AFL football,” he told reporters.

“I think it grows the interest in the game and if we’re all about growing the interest in the game.”

Expansion is on the backburner but Tasmania is widely considered next cab off the rank if it eventually does happen.

“We’ve got no desire to expand at the moment but if we did you would seem to think that the next logical place is Tasmania,” Demetriou said.

“They’ve earnt the right.

“The fact that we’re now playing six games with the potential to play more is a really positive sign.

“I think that’s a good thing for the future of Tasmania and the future if ever the AFL decide to expand again.”

Demetriou said more Melbourne clubs would be rotated into games at Aurora and Bellerive after the Kangaroos’ positive start against GWS in April.

“I think so far so good but you can’t just do it once, you’ve got to be consistent,” he said.

“That’s what’s been good about Hawthorn so I think you’ll see a very committed North Melbourne.”