Western Bulldogs AFLW coach Nathan Burke has offered a glowing endorsement of club president Kylie Watson-Wheeler as the AFL's next CEO, describing her as a "phenomenal candidate" who would change the league.
The Disney Australia and New Zealand senior vice-president has long been considered one of several candidates to replace outgoing boss Gillon McLachlan, since he announced his resignation on April 12 last year.
Burke, a St Kilda great and AFL Hall of Famer, said Watson-Wheeler is more than qualified to take on the role.
"She knows football, she knows business and she's the type of person that would get in there and make the necessary changes," Burke told ABC Radio Melbourne.
"Whilst we would hate to lose her at the Western Bulldogs I think she would be an absolutely phenomenal candidate.
"She would change this league."
Top AFL executive Andrew Dillon is widely tipped as the leading contender, while colleagues Kylie Rogers and Travis Auld are also believed to be a chance, and Richmond CEO Brendon Gale is reportedly in the running.
Burke said the next CEO should come from within the club system.
"I feel the AFL needs somebody from club-land who understands the issues that clubs face and how they operate," he said.
"Obviously, Brendon Gale … he's from club-land as well, and they've probably got Andrew Dillon who's an internal appointment.
"So, I reckon it will come out of those three (including Watson-Wheeler).
"I think the look of having a female heading such a traditionally male organisation that has been called a boys club is a fantastic step in the right direction.
"Other organisations and sporting codes can then follow."
Club CEO's are meeting with the AFL in Adelaide today, but it's understood McLachlan's successor is not on the agenda, and an announcement won't be made during the inaugural Gather Round in South Australia this weekend.
The Commission, which handles the decision, is set to meet in mid-May.
ABC Sport has contacted Watson-Wheeler for comment.
In April last year, McLachlan revealed he would step down from the top job with the intention of leaving by season's end.
But a raft of issues, headlined by the Hawthorn racism report and a proposal for a Tasmania team have delayed his exit.
The AFL said in November last year that McLachlan would depart following round five this season.
