North Melbourne has emerged as the frontrunner to establish a club-based AFL academy in Tasmania.

Granting the Kangaroos the ability to brand the 'next generation' academy throughout Tasmania would lift their profile in the state as they continue to build a supporter base in the state.

The AFL announced the allocation of academy zones in Victoria and the Northern Territory in early February but delayed an announcement on which clubs would be invited to establish an academy in Tasmania.

While a decision is yet to be made on how the investment in the state's academy is organised, AFL Tasmania CEO Scott Wade told AFL.com.au this week having one club running an academy in the state was its preferred position.

"We would love an AFL club branded academy and our strong preference would be one club," Wade said.

"The AFL Commission will determine what they want to do in Tasmania."

A meeting between the AFL and the state government is expected to take place next week.

AFL.com.au understands deliberation is still taking place as to what the best set-up might be and a view still exists that two clubs could run academies within the state.

Clubs not running academies can still run community programs within other club's regions.

In the initial allocation of zones, North Melbourne received Melbourne and Wyndham local government areas whereas Hawthorn received the Eastern region, Gippsland and Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The objective of the academies is to attract boys and girls who are not currently playing football or are underrepresented in the AFL.

Wade said he was hopeful the state would not be split.

"We have enough difficulty as a state being divided. The last thing we need is the AFL splitting us in two," Wade said.

North Melbourne CEO and Managing Director Carl Dilena said the club was close to extending its deal to play three games a season in Hobart beyond 2016.

“I don’t think we’d be that far away (from a new deal)," Dilena told NMFC.com.au.

“My target would be (to) get everything sorted out in advance of when we go down there early in the year.

“What we are discussing at the moment and planning for is very similar to the Hawthorn deal, a five-year deal to play three games in Hobart.”