Long-serving AFL commissioner Colin Carter has announced he will not stand for re-election at the AFL's annual general meeting in March next year.

A member of the AFL for 14 years, Carter was a director of the Geelong Football Club and Geelong representative on the AFL Board between 1987 and 1993.

He played a major role in preparing the Establishing the Basis for Future Success report in 1985 which was the blueprint for the establishment of the national competition.

He also played a leading role in the project that led to the eventual move of AFL members from Waverley to the MCG and the building of the Great Southern Stand in 1992.

Mr Carter also led the AFL's review of football development and grassroots football in 2001 which became known as the Carter Report.

Former Federal Sports Minister Rod Kemp is understood to be interested in standing for any vacancy that may arise on the Commission.

Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said Carter had played a significant role in steering Australian football through its strongest period of growth.

"Colin has given great service to the game of Australian Football as both a passionate supporter and an innovative thinker who has always placed the future health and growth of the game as his top priority," Fitzpatrick said.

"On behalf of the AFL Commission and football supporters across the country I want to thank Colin for his dedication and inspiration in helping to develop the framework needed to turn a national football competition into a truly national game."

Mr Carter said he had signalled his retirement from the AFL Commission at this time to facilitate planning for his replacement but hoped to continue his links with football in the future.

"I have loved my time in football and I am grateful to the AFL clubs for giving me the opportunity to serve on the AFL Commission over the past 15 years", Carter said.