NT taskforce throws support behind Tasmania AFL bid after stadium setback

Tasmania’s bid for the 19th AFL license has been handed a major setback, giving the NT a major lesson in its own ambitions to get a spot at the top of the sport. Read what has been said.

Nathaniel Chambers

less than 2 min read

September 17, 2025 - 4:53PM

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Proposed alternative designs for Hobat's Macquarie Point stadium

Northern Territory

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Tasmania’s bid to enter the AFL as its 19th team has been dealt a major blow, providing a lesson for the Territory’s own ambitions of fielding a team in the code’s premier competition.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission released its recommendation against building the Macquarie Point Stadium, pivotal to the state’s AFL dream, finding it to be “too big” and “too costly”.

The stadium construction cost has risen to $1.13bn causing further concerns with the report stating the stadium would “diminish the economic welfare” of the state.

Proposed alternative designs for Hobat's Macquarie Point stadium

A new stadium is required as part of the AFL’s contract with Tasmania in order for a new team to be allowed to enter the competition.

Despite the recommendation, Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said parliament would have the final say and it was the intention of his government to see it through.

The NT AFL Taskforce has long been working toward its own AFL team ambitions and eyeing the competition’s 20th licence.

Artist impression of the proposed AFL stadium for the Darwin CBD. Picture: SUPPLIED

Taskforce lead and AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said the latest development in Tasmania’s bid pointed toward a key lesson for the Territory, which has already done plenty of ground work on the business case for a CBD stadium.

Earlier this year a masterplan outlining 10 potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium was revealed, supported by other codes, while AFL chief Andrew Dillon encouraged the push.

But the NT’s ambitions are intrinsically linked to the existence of a 19th team, which in turn would make a case for number 20.

AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden and AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Footy finds a way and it will find a way to a 19th AFL team in Tasmania,” Bowden said.

“In the Territory the AFL Taskforce is meeting next week and will continue to build the case for the Territory having the 20th licence, should it become available.

“In the meantime, we stand 100 per cent behind the Tasmanian football community and the 200,000 plus members of the Tasmanian Devils Football Club.

“They’ve set a great example and we’re confident that our own Territory community will be even more passionate about the NT team when the time comes.

“We’ve developed a strategic business case and have a masterplan out for a city stadium and are continuing to gauge with all stakeholders in the Territory.”