The league restarts next week behind closed doors and is expected to maintain that approach for the first month of the return to play.

McLachlan said the AFL had plans to bring crowds back and said a full house on grand final day was an "ambition".

"Clearly we will be guided by the governments and health officials but every day that goes past we get a bit more confident ... we have detailed plans, almost by venue, about how we bring crowds back, under different scenarios," McLachlan told AFL Media.

"I feel a sense of commitment to our members, our supporters, our fans to try and do that, if it is safe. So we'll be ready, I'm more optimistic than I was and there is certainly a chance in some form.

"Probably post those first four weeks we'll talk to governments and others. I still haven't ruled out - I love the thought of a full grand final.

"You've got to be ready and you've got to dream but we've got to do it in a way that works out with where our governments are in our communities."

"I reckon it's (a full grand final crowd) an ambition - put it there."

The grand final has been tentatively set at October 24, a date shared with racing's Cox Plate.

McLachlan wouldn't confirm whether the season decider would be moved to a later timeslot and said that was a decision for when the grand final date was locked in.

"The commitment I've made is that we will work in with other sports," he said.

"You know how we operate - we focus on what we're doing but we are aware of trying to be collegial with the other sports.

"There's racing will be going on there, let's see where cricket ends up landing.

"So we'll make sure that we fit in with everyone else."

McLachlan added the league was determined to complete the AFL draft this year and was working to get the NAB League up and going later in the year to allow eligible players to showcase their wares.

Australian Associated Press