Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale has sent a timely reminder of the AFL’s $360m injection into Tassie football amid stadium debate

Amid the ongoing debate around Hobart’s proposed new stadium, Devils CEO Brendan Gale is adamant many are overlooking one key detail worth a mind-boggling amount.

Inside view of Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart. Picture: Supplied

The Devils’ charm offensive with key stakeholders in the Macquarie Point Stadium squabble has uncovered a key aspect lost in the debate, the AFL’s $358m investment in the state — almost as much as the state government has officially committed to building Mac1.

The anti-stadium lobby was fueled by the AFL’s “No Stadium, No Team” licence condition, but Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendon Gale has come to the defence of the league with a reminder of the enormous injection of money coming for Tasmanian football at every level.

As Gale makes the rounds in explaining the benefits of the 23,000-seat roofed Macquarie Point Stadium on Hobart’s waterfront, that feedback took him by surprise.

“The aspect that is probably the least understood is the extent to which the AFL is actually investing in the state,” Gale said.

“That’s the thing that is quite significant in all of this, and it’s not well understood.

“It was announced in 2023 at the time of the initial licence being granted.

“But it has sort of been lost in all the debate.

“The AFL is investing [circa] $360m over 10 years into this state for football and the football economy.

“That is for facilities, that is for grass roots development, junior pathways and the Devils.

“It’s a significant investment and it has been lost a bit in the debate.”

The government is pushing ahead with bypassing normal planning processes for the stadium project, due for completion in 2028, by drafting bespoke legislation to fast-track the development.

It seems certain to pass through the Lower House on the by-partisan power of the two major parties.

Kingborough Council's vision for Tasmania's AFL High Performance Centre at the Twin Ovals. Picture Kingborough Council

When it gets to the Upper House, it needs at least two independents to back the build to get it across the line.

Gale has been talking to key players in the Devils’ bid to make it happen.

“In general they have been very constructive [talks] and very respectful discussions, and we have learned some things as well,” he said.

“Obviously, we think the stadium and the introduction of the team will be fantastic for Tasmania in a whole range of ways.

“In particular, the social impact, the economic impact especially in hospitality and tourism – they will get significant economic stimulus.

“And perhaps there is no greater or more important sector than the construction industry.

“These are big projects, Macquarie Point Stadium is a significant piece of construction, and there are upgrades happening at UTas Stadium and Dial Park [Penguin].

UTas Stadium stage one complete. Picture Supplied

“These are going to be great assets for our state, and support our football club, and unlock a multitude of opportunities for skills, apprenticeships, construction jobs now and into the future.

“It’s another example of how it’s going to benefit the broader Tasmanian economy now and into the future with important construction jobs and career pathways.”

AFL’S INVESTMENT IN TASMANIA

$210 – Direct club funding to the Tasmania Devils over 12 years, includes men’s and women’s player payments, and general club operations

$123m - Game development over 15 years, a 60% lift of current AFL investment into Tasmania for community football, Auskick and talent pathways

$15m – Contribution to Macquarie Point Stadium build

$10m – High Performance Centre funding

Originally published as Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale has sent a timely reminder of the AFL’s $360m injection into Tassie football amid stadium debate