AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou was on hand as New South Wales and Queensland under-16s played the first match at Blacktown Olympic Park as part of the NAB AFL championships.
The complex consists of two football ovals, a 1600-seat grandstand, an indoor cricket centre and modern function rooms, and when completed will be able to accommodate crowds of up to 10,000.
Demetriou announced the creation of a community advisory group to assist the league in building the case for an 18th team.
The members of the group, announced on Friday, will aim to build awareness for the proposed team in the area and help develop and deliver a business case for western Sydney to sustain an AFL team.
Demetriou said, "It's terribly important for the competition and the code to have a team out here in this city of Australia.
"We're just thrilled we're now seeing something we've been dreaming about for quite a while and we're looking forward to the challenges."
Demetriou said the advisory group would work with the local community in developing the game and the venue.
"It's a big step. They've got a number of local people who have put their hand up and they'll help us elevate the 18th team," he said.
"They're volunteering their services and we've got their expertise and they'll make a significant contribution to this football club.
"We want to work with the community of greater western Sydney to create greater opportunities for families and for businesses in the region and this advisory group will help in developing a greater understanding of the values, lifestyles, and needs of the local communities.
"This is an exciting challenge and the establishment of this inaugural advisory group is an important step in the process to build an 18th AFL club."
President of the East Coast Eagles Football Club, Gus Seebeck, the 1999 Sandover medallist and now sports marketing and publicity manager at Channel Ten, said he was looking forward to being part of the group.
"Greater western Sydney is unlike any other market and the 18th team's success will require commitment and support from all those in the area that have a passion for the game," he said.
"The game of AFL has afforded me many wonderful opportunities and experiences over the past 20 years, and I see this as a great chance to contribute towards one of the game's most significant strategic challenges."
The AFL Commission will require evidence of the team’s capacity to excel in four key areas: establish a strong fan base of supporters and potential members; build strong levels of support from business partners in greater Sydney and particularly in western Sydney; connect with the community and prove the community is actively involved in the new team and the team is actively involved in the community; develop an identity that reflects and is owned by the people of the region.
The latter extends to the development of the team’s name, colours, jumper, logo and values.
