The AFL will maintain Indigenous representation at top governance level with the nomination of Denise Bowden for appointment as commissioner to replace Helen Milroy.

Ms Bowden, the chief executive of Yothu Yindi Foundation and director of Garma Festival, is set to be formally signed into the role at the AFL general meeting in March, following the announcement of Dr Milroy's retirement.

Dr Milroy joined the league's Commission in 2019. Recognised as Australia's first Indigenous medical doctor, Dr Milroy has also served as co-chair of the AFL National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council since 2021.

Commission chairman Richard Goyder said Ms Bowden, who circled strengthening the game at community level, will continue the work of the outgoing commissioner.

"I am honoured to be appointed and I look forward to adding value from a Northern Territory perspective but also to help the game grow right across the country," Ms Bowden said.

"It is a proud moment for me personally and one I share with the wider Bowden family, who have been active generational participants in the game through the Richmond Football Club and their work in community.

"Watching the AFLW competition grow in strength has also been inspiring and one of my aims as a Commissioner will be to ensure we continue to drive the growth of the game at a grassroots, regional and remote level where it has such an impact on communities."

Ms Bowden's son Michael is skipper of NTFL club Southern Districts' men's premier side.

"Denise has demonstrated a long affinity with the game and now joins the commission at a time when the game is driving to increase participation of Indigenous boys and girls across the country," Mr Goyder said.

"Denise will carry on the work from Helen who has been an incredible leader not only to our game but to the wider community through her significant impact and knowledge in the fields of mental health, medicine and education.

"We thank Helen for what she brought to football and, particularly, her support in the development of programs to improve the mental health of players at all levels of the game."

Dr Milroy will step down next month.