Tasmania Devils take huge step in bid to join the AFL
The Tasmanian Devils have taken a major step towards officially becoming the AFL’s newest team, winning the approval of a key state figure.
The AFL’s newest club is a step closer to joining the competition after a key independent politician confirmed her support of the stadium.
The Tasmanian upper house will meet across the next two days to discuss and vote on the highly debated and over-budgeted Macquarie Point Stadium project.
Independent Bec Thomas confirmed on ABC Radio on Wednesday morning that she would vote yes, lifting the Devils’ hopes of entering the competition.
The Devils need the majority of the 15 upper house members to approve the stadium.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make,” Ms Thomas told ABC Radio.
“I want Tasmania to have the opportunities that other states have.
“We deserve to have the infrastructure that other states have. We deserve to have our own AFL team, and that’s long overdue.”
The AFL has maintained the stadium was a non-negotiable to the Devils’ joining the competition.
The Devils are set to join the competition in 2028 and play one season at Launceston while the project is being built.
Originally published as Tasmania Devils take huge step in bid to join the AFL
Former Essendon coach takes on Devils role
