‘An absolute disgrace’: Premier’s super petty move slammed

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has been lashed after taking cheap shots in a petty feud that has set the scene for a fiery AFL clash.

Peter Gutwein isn’t shy in sticking up for his state.

Tony Cochrane has hit back at Peter Gutwein after the Tasmanian Premier encouraged AFL fans to boo the Gold Coast president during a game between the Suns and North Melbourne in Hobart today.

Cochrane has been vocal in opposing a push for AFL expansion and is firmly against the idea of introducing a 19th team in Tasmania within the next five years.

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His criticism sparked a cheeky reply from Mr Gutwein in state parliament this week as he poked fun at Gold Coast’s poor record.

“All of us in this place recognise that the Gold Coast Suns chairman is one of the few detractors left for our plan to have our own team,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Whilst I understand that the Suns aren’t the most successful team in the AFL, and while it is unusual for me to use this parliament as a place to drum up business for failing football clubs, I would make the point that we need to turn up on Saturday and demonstrate that we have a real passion for the game.

“This will be a chance for all Tasmanians to go along and I’d make this point, to very politely, but very loudly, boo Tony.”

Tony Cochrane isn’t on Peter Gutwein’s Christmas card list.

The Suns president has been told to look after his own backyard.

Mr Gutwein also challenged Cochrane to a goal-kicking contest at halftime in the Roos-Suns game.

However, the remarks didn’t go down well with Cochrane — who referred to Swans legend Adam Goodes being booed out of the sport.

“No one should be encouraging booing of anybody,” Cochrane told Win News. “Look what it did in the Adam Goodes situation.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that any person in Australia would encourage booing.”

Suns star and Tasmanian product Hugh Greenwood also weighed in on the feud on social media, saying the local government should be spruiking Saturday’s game rather than taking aim at rival clubs.

“Would be great to see @GutweinTeam spend a bit more time celebrating and highlighting the Tasmanians playing AFL football in Hobart this weekend - (Tarryn, Aaron, Lachie*, Myself) - as his promotional driver,” Greenwood tweeted.

“Instead the priority and focus is around potting other AFL Clubs.

“The GCS have a short but rich history with Tasmanian players. If we’re serious about Tassie getting its own AFL team then it’s going to come down to its unity. Therefore the voices of all Tasmanians & in particular past & present Tassie AFL players, will play a pivotal role.”

Originally published as ‘An absolute disgrace’: Premier’s super petty move slammed