Richmond CEO Brendon Gale says Tasmania’s AFL licence bid is “real”

Why Brendon Gale rates Tasmania’s AFL licence submission, calling it “really impressive.”

Tasmania’s comprehensive submission for a 19th licence has impressed Brendon Gale and the Richmond CEO says the broad support from the football community for the state to enter the AFL “is real”.

The Tasmanian Tiger has pored over the document since Richmond president Peggy O’Neal brought it back to the club after the AFL presented it to all of the clubs in Melbourne almost three weeks ago.

They had two weeks to examine it, form an opinion and get their responses back to league headquarters by Friday October 7.

Since then, Gale has felt positive about Tasmania’s chances.

“The bid and all of its supporting documentation and all of the detail is really impressive,” Gale said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - Richmond CEO Brandon Gale (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“That was provided to the presidents and CEOs a little while ago and the AFL asked the clubs to consult their boards to make a decision on whether to support it or not.

“It has been taken away for consideration by all clubs and it is probably fair to say it has been really well received.”

The AFL is yet to reveal where the clubs landed on their decisions about a licence for Tasmania and the $750m roofed stadium mooted for Macquarie Point.

The Macquarie Point masterplan, featuring an AFL stadium, by The Office for Collective Design.

The presidents will be called back to Melbourne in the next few weeks to discuss their club’s decisions before an announcement can be made by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.

The state government and AFL Taskforce submission hit the mark for Gale.

“Clearly the work that has gone into it is real and there is a compelling case,” Gale said.

“I’m confident there is a compelling quantitative case for a Tasmanian licence.”

There is a buzz in the football world about the possibility of Tasmania entering the competition, with a potential entry date of 2026 if a licence is granted.

“At the end of the day most people involved in football at any level, whether it is AFL or community football, people are involved because they love the game,” Gale said.

“The AFL _ the elite competition _ is no exception.

“People are involved on boards of management and all levels because they love the game and I think if you love the game it’s hard to not be positive about the opportunity for Tasmania.

“That sentiment is real. The sentiment from the AFL community is real.

“It is really positive because most see a place for Tasmania in the game.

“But the business case needs to stack up in the bid and bid documents that are under consideration by the club boards at the moment.”

Originally published as Richmond CEO Brendon Gale says Tasmania’s AFL licence bid is “real”