North Melbourne is intent on retaining the current two-team Tasmania model and anticipates signing a new long-term deal within the next few months.

CEO Carl Dilena told The Herald Sun that despite some reports, the AFL is very happy with the existing arrangement.

“It maximises the content in the state and the AFL acknowledged that in a recent report," Dilena said.

Dilena couldn't have been clearer when asked if North would be prepared to go it alone in the Apple Isle.

“No, the AFL flagged that a while ago and it’s been discussed along the way. Both ourselves and Hawthorn see the current model working well,” he said.

North is likely to follow Hawthorn and sign a new five-year deal and will continue to play three games a year from 2017 until 2021.

“I don’t think it’s far away — the next month or two. We have spoken to everyone down there and we are on the same page,’’ Dilena said.

“The premier is travelling over to China and he won’t be around this game. But once we get a chance to sit down and nut through the final details it will all be fine.

“Our recent history has been great there and it is turning into a bit of a fortress for us down there. We have a good home ground advantage and there is a lot of blue and white in the crowd.

“It is really positive in that respect.

“Hawthorn signed up to a five-year deal and we are looking to sign a five-year deal and that will be the status quo for the foreseeable future.

“The AFL is thinking about its options and working out what is best for footy in Tasmania and we will have those discussions down the track.”

The Roos are riding a six-game winning streak at Blundstone Arena and will be looking to make it seven on Sunday afternoon against Melbourne.

AFL executive Simon Lethlean commented recently about the current model saying "at the moment seven games in Tasmania is working well with two great clubs.’’