Thirty-three clubs had contributed $4000 to the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) initiative as of late Tuesday.

As reported by Back of the Net last week, the Eagles were the first and only club from the Hunter to join the group.

In a press release on Tuesday, the AAFC said the Eagles - established in 1892 - were the oldest club to come on board.

The statement said 30 clubs had joined, but just two hours later three more - Canberra Croatia, Sunshine Coast FC and Altona Magic (Melbourne) - had signed up.

AAFC had launched its concept discussion paper for a national second division in October 2017.

"Since that time, we've been encouraged by the support for a Championship within the football community - support that has continued to grow," AAFC chairman Nick Galatas said.

"The Championship is about creating stronger clubs and expanding the football footprint throughout our country for the benefit of our entire sport.

"The oldest club in the Partner Group was established in the 19th century and another two early in the 20th century, while the youngest club was established in this century. That says so much about the longevity and popularity of our sport in this country."

Aspects of the championship model that need to be finalised include national vs conference-based competition, timing, player squads, the relationship with football academies, facilities, corporate governance and promotion and relegation.

"Obviously, promotion and relegation is a hot button issue for many in the football community from a range of perspectives," Galatas saidsaid.

"Establishing a thriving and true second tier is a necessary pre-condition, so we're helping to put it in place.

"AAFC's view is that we cannot be properly considered as a 'football nation' without it and having it in place is our ultimate objective. While promotion and relegation with the A-League will hopefully occur little later, we aim for it to start immediately with the NPL below."

"We also recognise a need to get the code back on track and financially viable and that is what we believe the Championship will help in achieving. Connecting clubs from bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom will help unite the game which will help it achieve its potential."

The Partner Group clubs are:

ACT

. Gungahlin United, 1997

NSW

. APIA Leichhardt, 1954

. Marconi Stallions, 1958

. Rockdale Ilinden, 1969

. Sydney Olympic, 1957

. Sydney United '58, 1958

. Wollongong Wolves, 1980

Northern NSW

. Edgeworth Eagles, 1892

Queensland

. Gold Coast United, 1966

. Olympic FC, 1967

. Peninsula Power, 2000

. Western Pride, 2012

. Wynnum Wolves, 1921

South Australia

. Adelaide City, 1946

. Campbelltown City, 1963

. North Eastern MetroStars, 1994

. West Adelaide, 1962

. West Torrens Birkalla, 1923

Tasmania

. South Hobart, 1910

Victoria

. Avondale, 1984

. Bentleigh Greens, 1986

. Bulleen Lions, 1974

. Caroline Springs George Cross, 1947

. Heidelberg United, 1958

. Hume City, 1979

. Melbourne Knights, 1953

. Preston Lions, 1947

. South Melbourne, 1959

Western Australia

. Bayswater City, 1961

. Perth SC, 1948