THE AFL is playing an active hand in seeking people to join the Melbourne board and will "have a say" in the club's new coach.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed he met with former Victorian treasurer Alan Stockdale on Thursday and is keen to continue conversations with him.

But Stockdale's former boss Jeff Kennett won't be involved, after AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick wrote to the ex-Hawthorn president telling him his services would not be required.

AFL.com.au recently revealed Stockdale as a contender for the Demons presidency, but his involvement in the Liberal party's federal election campaign means he has limited time between now and September.

"I met with Alan Stockdale yesterday and he's very passionate about being involved with the Melbourne Football Club board," Demetriou told Radio 3AW.

"He's someone I suspect should continue to be spoken to."

Demetriou said some members of the existing Melbourne board could remain.

As part of providing funding to the Demons, Demetriou confirmed the AFL would take an interest in the selection of Melbourne's new coach.

"The coach should be appointed by Peter Jackson and the board elect, and that's the appropriate governance and we'll obviously be consulted on that."

While not endorsing Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos as Melbourne's prime target, Demetriou described the Sydney Swans premiership coach as "gifted and talented."

"As an industry we are the less (for) not having a person of Paul Roos' talent coaching in the AFL ranks," Demetriou said.

Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL