AFL coaching great Kevin Sheedy has named a left-of-centre destination for the AFL's expansion planning, suggesting Newcastle would be a suitable area for the league to add its next license.

League expansion has been a hot topic across the past year as Tasmania sits in the frame to potentially become the AFL's 19th club.

All 18 club presidents and the league have held discussions over the recent findings of the Carter Review, with a decision on league expansion likely to be made later this year after assessing the financial implications.

In adding a 19th club, the league will be left with an uneven weekly fixture and would likely turn to a 20th license shortly after to avoid certain instances such as bye rounds, with a more appealing broadcast deal of 10 matches each round one of many benefits.

While the Apple Isle remains in the front seat, Sheedy has tossed a curveball into the expansion conversations, stating that Newcastle might be a more appealing option than Tasmania.

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The former Essendon and GWS Giants coach went as far to say the Hunter Valley would "get to a million people quicker than Tasmania" when speaking on 3AW recently.

"I would say Newcastle and Tasmania will be the next two teams," the four-time premiership coach said.

"There are more people in Newcastle than Tasmania. It will get to a million people quicker than Tasmania will."

Newcastle has an estimated population of 450,000 and could rival existing New South Wales clubs in the Swans and Giants should enough fans turn to Aussie Rules.

The NRL (Knights) and A-League (Jets) are currently the dominant codes for the Hunter Region, with little to suggest any love would sway toward the AFL should a team arise.

The Knights currently have an estimated members tally of 18,000 (via League Unlimited), while the Jets are estimated to have just over half that figure.

A major roadblock for the AFL and further NSW expansion lands with the growth of the Giants, who are still considered in their infancy as they look to reach new membership heights each season.

Along with Tasmania, the Northern Territory and/or Canberra have been favoured in the AFL expansion queue, with boutique stadiums already in place across both territories.